2011 Yves Cuilleron - Cote-Rotie Coteau de Bassenon
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(includes 10% viognier): Opaque ruby. Heady, exotic aromas of red fruit preserves, Asian spices and potpourri are complemented by a bright mineral topnote. Taut and focused on the palate, offering lively black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a touch of cola. Finishes with emphatic lift and gentle tannic grip, leaving spicy red fruit and floral notes behind.
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Josh Raynolds
Josh Raynolds
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The 2011 Cote Rotie Bassenon is a major success in the vintage. Classy and perfumed, with the hallmark Cote Rotie bouquet of juicy berry fruit, spring flowers, bacon fat and hints of leather, this medium to full-bodied, supple, pure and finesse-oriented effort can be consumed anytime over the coming decade. Yves releases two cuvees from Cornas, and I found the quality consistent in 2012, yet preferred the Vires release by a fair margin in 2011. There are three Saint Joseph cuvees in red: the Les Pierres Seches, which comes from sand and granite soils around the town of Chavanay; the L'Amarybelle, which comes from high density, terraced plantings of older vines; and lastly, the Les Serines, which comes from the oldest vines of the estate and is the only cuvee to see new oak. Importer: Rosenthal Wine Merchant Ltd., Pine Plains, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990
(90% syrah and 10% viognier): Lurid ruby. Vibrant aromas and scents of candied red fruits and flowers, with a bright, spicy overtone. Juicy and sharply focused, offering fresh raspberry and cherry flavors and a hint of mocha. Closes with very good, spicy cut and soft tannins. I suspect that this forward wine will be drinking nicely soon after release. Cuilleron calls this "the Burgundy of (his) Cote-Roties".