2021 Cote Rotie Vieilles Vignes

The deep purple-colored 2021 Côte-Rôtie Vieilles Vignes checks in at 13% alcohol. Ripe red fruits, cedar, licorice and meaty nuances are all pushed forward. Medium-bodied, round and polished, the 2021 engages the palate with good concentration and bright acidity. Ripe yet firm tannins call for a few more years in bottle. It closes with persistence on the sapid finale.

Vines aged over 60 years in Landonne, Lancement and Chavaroche. 100% whole bunch. Aged for 12 months in new and one-year-old barrels then a further 12 months in foudre. Cask sample. Has this always been more expensive than the Hermitage? Mid glowing crimson. Very youthful and embryonic on the nose – not as expressive as the Cornas or St-Joseph. A sweet start with polished tannins that insinuate themselves only on the (bone-dry) end of the palate. Very persistent, hums with messages that are still unintegrated. Saline, long finish on a sinewy wine that’s best left alone for quite a while. It’s easy to see where the wine is aimed at but it’s not there yet. (JR)

Vines aged over 60 years in Landonne, Lancement and Chavaroche. 100% whole bunch. Aged for 12 months in new and one-year-old barrels then a further 12 months in foudre. Cask sample. Has this always been more expensive than the Hermitage? Mid glowing crimson. Very youthful and embryonic on the nose – not as expressive as the Cornas or St-Joseph. A sweet start with polished tannins that insinuate themselves only on the (bone-dry) end of the palate. Very persistent, hums with messages that are still unintegrated. Saline, long finish on a sinewy wine that’s best left alone for quite a while. It’s easy to see where the wine is aimed at but it’s not there yet. (JR)