2009 Domaine Georges Vernay Côte-Rôtie Maison Rouge

Vernay's 2009 Cote Rotie Maison Rouge is a brilliant wine that's only eclipsed by the 2010. Deep ruby in color, with gorgeous notes of framboise, black raspberries, violets, menthol and pepper, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, yet never loses the hallmark elegance of the estate. It should hit its stride in another 2-3 years and drink nicely through 2029. The elevage changed in 2008 and where previous vintages were vinified in stainless steel, from 2008 onward vinification occurs in barrel. It's also worth noting that this was the first vintage were they moved completely to organic farming.

(100% syrah, from a section of the vineyard that measures just under a hectare; the yield was around 20 hl/ha this vintage): Ruby-red. A flamboyant, spice-accented bouquet offers raspberry, candied cherry, smoky minerals and incense. Then sweet, silky and seamless on the palate, offering intense red berry and spicecake flavors and a touch of candied violet. The gently tannic, penetrating finish features raspberry liqueur, vanilla and candied flowers and lingers for days.