2017 Cote Rotie La Viaillere
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Tasting notes
Glass-staining ruby. Deeply perfumed dark berry, floral, smoky mineral and olive scents show excellent clarity and a hint of candied licorice. Sweet, palate-staining blackberry, cherry preserve and floral pastille flavors put on weight with air and take on a spicy quality on the back half. Rich but lively as well, delivering firm tension on an impressively persistent, mineral-tinged finish that features fine tannins and a sexy floral note.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Cote Rotie la Viailliere had just been blended and was in tank awaiting bottling at the time of my visit. Like all of the 2017s here, it shows more concentration and fruit density than the 2016, boasting scents of violets, black olives and espresso, a concentrated, medium to full-bodied palate and a long, velvety, blackberry-stained finish.
Very impressive with a slightly dialed-back oak influence (back to 60% from 100% new demi-muid), this has a beautifully rich nose with dark-cherry and chocolate aromas in a fresh, attractive mode. The palate has a reasonably dense feel to the tannins. A very sleek and fine, juicy and long feel here. So fleshy with so much blackberry and black cherry fruit. Best from 2025.