1999 Cote Rotie Coteau de Bassenon

Cuilleron is a brilliant white wine maker, who has augmented the quality of his reds. Approximately 9% Viognier is included in the 1999 Cote Rotie Coteau de Bassenon, which is performing better out of bottle than it did last year. It possesses a classic bacon fat, cassis, and tapenade-scented perfume with notions of oak in the background. It is medium-bodied and elegant, with considerable aromatic complexity, sweet fruit on the attack, excellent purity, and a moderately long finish. The wine will drink well for a dozen years. Importer: Neal Rosenthal, Select Vineyards, Shekomeko, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990