2018 Cote Rotie La Germine
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Tasting notes
Deep, bright-rimmed ruby. Ripe cherry and blackberry aromas are complemented by licorice, floral and cracked pepper accents. Smooth, sweet and fleshy on the palate, offering pliant red and dark berry preserve flavors that show fine definition and a hint of spiciness that builds up slowly on the back half. Shows good breadth and cling on the sappy finish, which is framed by smooth, slow-building tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Amazing florals dominate the nose of the 2018 Cote Rotie La Germine. Violets and peach blossoms join hints of licorice and blueberries, while the medium-bodied palate is supremely silky and charming. The finish does show a hint of cedar, but there's a lot to like here, even for purists, as it fades gently away on waves of supple tannins.
The only red here that incorporates Viognier, the 2018 Côte Rôtie La Germine is 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier brought up in mostly used barrels, with just 20% being new. Its deep ruby/plum hue is followed by gorgeous notes of black raspberries, spring flowers, orange blossom, and sappy herbs. It's medium-bodied, elegant, and lively on the palate, with light tannins and the balance and class to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for over a decade.
97% Syrah, 3% Viognier. Aged for 20 months in oak (20% new). Cask sample. Tasted blind. Savoury but underpowered black fruit with a light palate and no fireworks. (RH)