2022 Cote Rotie La Germine

Incorporating 3% Viognier, the 2022 Côte Rôtie La Germine reveals a concentrated, rich, nicely structured profile of ripe black and blue fruits, crushed stone, and floral, sappy, gamey nuances. Medium to full-bodied, with plenty of mid-palate depth and a great finish, it was vinified with 20% whole clusters and aged 20 months in barrels and demi-muids (15% new). It, too, should have 10-15 years of longevity. Drink 2025-2035. Located in the southern sector of Côte Rôtie, Domaine Duclaux is run by brothers Benjamin and David Duclaux, who continue to craft elegant, classically styled wines from some of the appellation's oldest vineyards. Farming is sustainable, and vinifications are traditional, with partial destemming and élevage in a combination of barrels and demi-muids, with new oak kept within reasonable ranges. The estate produces two flagship Côte Rôtie cuvées. The La Germine release is a co-fermented blend of roughly 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier sourced from multiple parcels, including Coteaux de Tupin, Maison Rouge, Le Collet, and Coteau de Bassenon. It is vinified in concrete tanks and aged for up to 20 months in 20% new French oak barrels and 500-liter demi-muids. This cuvée is always more approachable in its youth. In contrast, the Maison-Rouge is a single-parcel cuvée made from 100% old-vine Syrah planted on gneiss/granitic soils in the Maison Rouge lieu-dit. The vines are approximately 50 years old or older. The wine is completely destemmed and vinified in open concrete tanks and aged for up to 20 months in a combination of 20% to 40% new French oak barrels and demi-muids. In addition to their Côte Rôties, the domaine produces a small amount of Condrieu from the Les Caillets vineyard. The 2022s are terrific across the board, offering beautiful balance and purity. These are never the biggest or richest wines in a vintage, but they shine for their finesse and complexity. Lastly, the 2023 Condrieu is a brilliant example of the appellation.