2014 Cote Rotie Les Rochains
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Cote Rotie les Rochains is the most concentrated of Bonnefond's 2014s. That said, it's still an elegant, medium-bodied example of Côte Rôtie. Buoyant boysenberry fruit travels on silky tannins and crisp acids, gliding to a lingering finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
(25 percent new oak) Brilliant violet. Smoke-accented aromas of blackberry, licorice and botanical herbs; a peppery nuance adds spicy lift. Sappy cherry, cassis and rhubarb flavors show a touch of medicinal bitterness on the back half. Closes with repeating smokiness, velvety tannins and very strong, fruit-driven persistence.
Vibrant ruby. Expressive, spice-accented blackberry, cherry liqueur and violet pastille aromas pick up a smoky nuance with air. Shows excellent depth and focus on the palate, offering sweet black and blue fruit flavors and a touch of star anise. Opens up and becomes more lively with air, picking up a peppery nuance that adds clarity, lift and bite. The sappy, incisive finish is firmed by dusty tannins that fold quickly into the lingering, sappy dark fruit.
Meaty notes on the nose, juicy and rounded palate. Beautifully fine tannic grip on the palate, and a gentle violet scent. A wine of great subtlety – elegant, softly spoken. (RH)