2021 Cote Rotie
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Tasting notes
Blackberries, pepper, violets, and spice all emerge from the 2021 Côte Rôtie, which shows a fresh yet concentrated profile on the palate. Medium-bodied and balanced, this classic Côte Rôtie will benefit from short-term cellaring. It's very much in the vintage style and will be absolutely loved by the traditionalists out there. It should have a solid decade of prime drinking. Drink 2025-2035. Bernard Burgaud produces a single Côte Rôtie from roughly nine hectares of Syrah planted on steep slopes above Ampuis, with parcels in Côte Blonde, Le Champin, Leyat, Fongeant, Les Moutonnes, and La Brosse. The grapes are fully destemmed and see frequent punch-downs during fermentation. Elevage lasts 15-18 months in barrique, with about 20% new oak, and the wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered. Since 2019, Bernard's son Pierre has led the estate, continuing its very traditional approach.
Critic scores
Average Score
Alistair Cooper MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
A fragrant Cote-Rotie with plenty of violets, pepper and blueberry fruit. Not the most structured wine for this appellation, but very well made with elegant tannins and well integrated acidity. Very satisfying finish. Drink or hold.
Dark, glistening violet. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes fresh, mineral-accented red and blue fruits, exotic spices and potpourri, along with suggestions of bacon, licorice and incense. Offers appealingly sweet, spice-tinged cherry, boysenberry and floral pastille flavors that show impressive vivacity and smoky mineral cut. Finishes very long and precise, with well-judged tannins and resonating floral and spice notes.
Tasted blind. Quite mute on the nose at the moment, dark fruits, fig and roasted meats. The palate is tight and has firm, ripe tannins, sweet fruit and good concentration. Needs some time. (AC)