2019 Domaine Georges Vernay Côte-Rôtie Maison Rouge
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Tasting notes
Lastly, I loved the 2019 Côte Rôtie Maison Rouge, which is clearly up with the finest vintages to date. Coming from a lieu-dit in the southern part of the appellation, it was 70% destemmed and vinified and aged in 15% new French oak for two years. There's not much to go around, but it boasts a medium ruby hue as well as a kaleidoscopic array of spiced red and black fruits, iron, rose petals, flowers, and woodsmoke. As elegant as they come, it has silky tannins, a layered, elegant mouthfeel, and a great finish. This is never a powerhouse, but it always shines for its complexity, nuance, and elegance. Drink bottles over the coming two decades.
Critic scores
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Glass-staining violet color. Highly perfumed, mineral-accented black and blue fruit, incense and floral pastille scents pick up cured tobacco and exotic spice notes with air. Done in a concentrated yet lively style, offering palate-staining and alluringly sweet cherry, black raspberry, boysenberry, licorice, spicecake and candied violet flavors that are braced by an undercurrent of juicy acidity. Shows superb definition and mineral lift on a wonderfully persistent, floral-driven finish that's shaped by fine-grained, finely interwoven tannins.
NB vintage! 100% Syrah. Aged 24 months in barrel (30% new oak). Deep crimson hue. Dark and subdued but with an undertow of dark fruit and spice and just a hint of oak. Lovely depth of fruit on the palate but with a lightness of touch and marked vibrancy and freshness. Tannins so fine and well-integrated you can barely feel them. Persistent finish. Great balance. (JL)