2017 Benjamin et David Duclaux Cote-Rotie La Germine
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Tasting notes
Deep, shimmering violet. Assertive, mineral- and spice-tinged black raspberry, blueberry, incense and peony aromas carry a spicy topnote. Ripe red and blue liqueur flavors are braced by a spine of smoky minerality and show building spiciness and a hint of vanilla. Finishes with persistent floral and spice qualities, discreet tannins and sharp delineation. Made with 20% whole clusters and 20% new oak.
Critic scores
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Incorporating 3% Viognier, the 2017 Côte Rôtie La Germine is a rock-solid effort that offers lots of meaty red and black fruits, spice box, and dried herb notes to go with a medium-bodied, balanced, elegant style on the palate. It's nicely textured, has ripe tannins, and will drink nicely for 10-15 years. Domaine Duclaux is located in the southern end of Côte Rôtie, and as such, their wines always shine more for their elegance and complexity than power and richness.
This has a rich and ripe nose with attractively spicy dark plums and espresso. Toasty oak as well. The palate has a very ripe feel with baked plums and blackberries in abundance. Drink now.
97% Syrah, 3% Viognier. Cask sample. Tasted blind. Restrained smoky aromas and generic black fruit. Muted flavours. Soft structure, short finish. Lacks the splendour expected from Côte Rôtie. (RH)