2010 Cote Rotie Cote Brune

The essence of earth, raspberry jam, jus de viande, bouquet garni and spring flowers jumps from a glass of the dark ruby/plum-colored 2010 Cote Rotie Cote Brune. The richest of these six cuvees, with the most lingering finish, this medium to full-bodied, impressive, sexy, classic Cote Rotie can be enjoyed over the next 10-12 years. Gilles Barge’s offerings are all traditionally made, old style Cote Roties, but he does appear to have made some moderate concessions by picking riper fruit, at least for the Cote Brune cuvee. 2010 is one of the finest vintages I have tasted from Barge, whose wines are often too herbaceous for my tastes. Importer: Europvin; www.europvin.com