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Strange and paradoxical… This vintage has reserved us quite a few surprises, and
still raises questions. Although described as « Great » by some Vignerons, its strong
heterogeneity, depending on the sectors, imposes us to be attentive, measured, though hopeful.
2018 : the vegetative cycle is early. Spring sees generous rains and heat strokes
alternate. According to “Elders”, from memory one has to get back to the 60’ to observe such pressure of diseases in the vineyard. And, unfortunately for some Domaines, the processing windows would, in the main, only open at the week-ends… The vintage therefore promises to be technically complicated, demanding meticulous, tedious, even relentless work, in the vineyards. Damage and losses vary… but yields on Grenache are historically low… Providentially, once again, we could count on Mother Nature’s final “nudge” ! Without hesitation we can assert that the quality of the remaining grapes, the quality of their juice, is mainly due to a brilliant month of September.
Indeed, the weather conditions during the harvest were almost perfect. Cool but sunny weather, with well-marked, valued, thermal amplitudes… The Vigneron was able to choose in all serenity the ideal moment to harvest, plot of land by plot of land, without having to operate any constrained arbitration…
Rochains, Côte de Rozier, Moulin, Leyat
Ageing12 months in new and one vintage barrels. Tronçais et Allier. Then 10 months in foudre.
Winemaking1/3 non destemmed.
16°C
Decant 2 hours before tasting.
Fashionable Wine ! All crispness, finesse, and aromatic distinction…
13%
BottlingWithout fining and filtration.
CépagesSerine, Syrah : 100 % Serine
One of the stand outs was the 2018 Côte Rôtie Vieilles Vignes, another classic expression of an appellation, offering a complex perfume of black raspberries, crushed flowers, peppery herbs, and incense aromas and flavors. More medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated and elegant, it’s going to drink nicely right out of the gate.
Jeb Dunnuck
, 93-95/100
, 2019-08-16
This is an ambitious style; concentrated with considerable oak influence but tempered by the use of whole bunches and the lack of overt toast on the barrels. lt's a compelling wine that is very well balanced with ripe tannins and a distinct classicism of style alongside a long sappy, sapid finish. A blend of Côte-Brune terroirs, old vines. No destemming, matured for a year in new and second use Tronçais oak barriques, then for a further year in Stockinger foudres.
Matt Walls
Decanter
, 95/100
, 2021-01-06
Alluring, with steeped, warm cherry and plum preserve notes mixed with mesquite, black tea and singed anise details. Graphite-edged structure carries the finish, adding really nice cut.
Wine Spectator
, 92/100
, 2021-06-30