2012 Rotie Cellars Northern Blend
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Tasting notes
97% Syrah, 3% Viognier. Wow. Bright red berry fruit with gorgeous floral fragrance from the Viognier. Lengthy, modern, plus and genuinely complex. This is seriously good. Layered and earthy and herby. A real delight. (RH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(97% Syrah with 3% Viognier): Healthy dark red. Shy aromas of musky redcurrant, cocoa powder and flint, lifted by rose petal and black pepper. Then surprisingly supple and creamy on the palate, offering a seamless blend of dark fruits, earth and smoky minerals. Finishes firm and sweet, with suave tannins and good grip and length.
A big step up, the 2012 Northern Blend checks in as a blend of 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier. Lively, fresh and elegant, with perfumed blackberry, violets, bacon fat and hints of pepper, this beauty flows onto the palate with a medium to full-bodied, seamless profile that’s hard to resist. The purity and balance are all noteworthy, and this beautiful Syrah will evolve gracefully for 10-15 years. Made by Sean Boyd, these releases from Rotie Cellars show classic styles, with bright acidity that is balanced by good depth and richness. The 2012 Dre was the odd man out here, and I’ve liked the cuvee much more in the past. Regardless, the other wines are all outstanding. Tel. (253) 312-5991; www.rotiecellars.com