This, to me, was a very delicate wine. Much more delicate than what I have grown accustomed to from other Cote Rotie producers that I have tried. Drank this (from the decanter) over several hours but I do not think that that is necessary. I think that you will get the most of this wine from decanting for maybe 30-60 minutes. On the nose I got some nice meaty aromas, some pepper, some red fruits (strawberry and raspberry), I also get a bit of funk on the nose. I am not getting as much flower aromas as I would have expected given that this was cofermented with 10% Viognier. There are some flower aromas but maybe not as much as I would have liked or expected. I had similar notes on the palate, this is unmistakable Syrah from Cote Rotie. On the palate I got some meaty components, some mushroom, savory herbs, a little sweetness with maybe a tad of dark chocolate (not brooding chocolate just slight and nice), smoke, minerality, and some red fruits. This is not an overly heavy wine. It does lack some complexity and length but other than that this is a very enjoyable wine.
I would not hold onto this for too long as I do not think that it was built for the long haul. Maybe another few years at most. Overall, a very enjoyable wine that should be enjoyed soon.
I would not hold onto this for too long as I do not think that it was built for the long haul. Maybe another few years at most. Overall, a very enjoyable wine that should be enjoyed soon.