December 22, 2023 - I initially told my wife I planned to open Bordeaux, but she had a rough day at the office so I pulled this as a surprise - Côte-Rôtie is her favorite region. Our first of only two bottles, this had a pristine cork with wine barely staining the bottom 1/8”. Gently double decanted off its sediment and kept under its cork until it was poured with dinner about three hours later. Light crimson color with a touch of bricking. A beguiling bouquet of white pepper, roasted game and red berry fruit with just a hint of bacon underneath. Flavors of red fruit and currants, pepper and mineral on the palate. Fully integrated, with just a touch of acidity that lends a certain freshness, even at this stage. A wonderful example of mature Côte-Rôtie. I see no reason to hold these any longer; hopefully our remaining bottle shows as well as this one. 93+ pts for me, 94 for Domino.
April 13, 2023 - A little tired but imminently drinkable
December 9, 2022 - Clear light red. Floral, herbal, meaty red fruit nose, seemed fairly fresh. Dry red cherry and thyme flavours and a fading finish.
September 25, 2020 - This is definitely on the mature end of the spectrum. I was a little worried upon first opening, as this was relatively austere and mineral. However this opened up nicely in to truly classic and beautiful example of Côte-Rôtie. Lots of smoky bacon on the nose moves to a precise and delicate palate of cherry and sauteed calf liver. There is really nice, racy acidity on the mouthwatering finish. I wouldn't wait very long to drink this up.
June 1, 2019 - time to drink these if you still have them, best on a pop and pour, the clumsy oak usage really stands out if you give this wine too much air, best with food
February 26, 2019 - My last bottle of this beauty was consumed a few years ago. Luckily, a friend brought a bottle last night, and while it has dropped a bit of depth and freshness, the wine is now quite sensual in nature, with sweet, ripe, peppery, kirsch and red plums, silky tannins and a red pit fruit filled finish. Nothing lasts forever, so if a have a bottle or two around, you should not hold on any longer.
October 6, 2018 - Have consumed this wine eight times, from 2011 to 2016. A delightful wine, but should be drunk-up now. See prior notes.
October 12, 2017 - Really smooth wine. Slightly less of the grilled meat and bacon flavors but more red berries, campfire and some forest floor. Dark red cherries as well. Nicely balanced with really good complexity. Still young and I think this wine can improve.
May 9, 2017 - Dinner at home. Opened 1hr prior to serving. This wine is finally hitting its stride. Consistent with my prior note, except even more open aromatically and approachable. On the fuller, darker end of the cote rotie spectrum, but time has finally revealed the wine's charms and cote rotie pedigree. Really nice juice.
May 4, 2017 - Côte-Rotie & Hermitage 1999 - chez moi (Frederiksberg): Quite gemacht, dark, roasted. Just passable, but many will like it... sweet aftertaste. Better with air, but still not singing. Much be more than ten years since I tasted this, when SF stole on from my cellar and served it blind at my birthday-party... liked it better then.