2013 Rotie Cellars Northern Blend
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Tasting notes
(14.2% alcohol; Syrah co-fermented with Viognier; 50% of the fruit is from the SJR vineyard in the Rocks, owned by Steve Robertson and his wife Mary Delmas Robertson): Attractive perfumed lift to the strawberry and spice aromas. Plush and ripe but very young, showing a silky texture but moderate nuance to the dark fruit and spice flavors complicated by a saline quality. Finishes with sweet tannins and good length. With aeration, this blend showed building elements of olive tapenade and anise. "we don't touch new oak here," said Sean Boyd. "In fact, we may start making this in concrete." (Incidentally, the 2010 version of this wine was still very fresh and laid-back and evolving slowly. I scored it a solid 90.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Incorporating 5% Viognier, the Syrah dominated 2013 Northern Blend comes all from the Walla Walla Valley in 2013 and saw the same 14-16 months in older barrels that all the reds saw here. It has a similar savory herb character found in the southern blend, with lots of dried garrigue, olive, smoked meats, mulled blackberries and pepper emerging from the glass. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, elegant and supple, with bright, yet nicely integrated acidity, plenty of texture and a clean, dry finish. Drink it anytime over the coming decade.