June 4, 2017 - Last of the half-case, and it was remarkably consistent with prior samplings: nothing special, nothing terrible; sturdy, hefty wine that went well with a steak
January 26, 2017 - Splendid showing for this, my last bottle. Grilled meat, coffee and a wild berry note on the nose, with a structured and defined palate to match. Wish I had more because it's finally at a perfect drinking plateau.
August 19, 2016 - Drank a week ago and didn't take notes but recall that for the first time in the years since I've had this wine, it was enjoyable and in balance. Sorry I only have one more left and didn't wait longer between bottles.
June 1, 2016 - Just passing peak now, and while the edginess of the younger period is gone, everything has integrated into a prototypical example of a mature Cote Roti. Much of the complexity is starting to disappear, but it hints at what it was like 3 or 4 years ago, with the peppery nervousness gone, flavors of muted plum and black cherry seamlessly blended, and a medium pleasant finish.
April 5, 2015 - $20 on closeout. Pretty nice! Complex aged Cote-Rotie nose of violets, red fruit, camphor, smoked meat, and ash. Fruit's faded but there's still a core of pale raspberry fruit amidst savory meat and soy notes. Really, a nice drink and well worth the price.
December 29, 2014 - Much better than the previous bottle of this vintage, so variation.
youthful medium garnet in color, fades to lighter color, nose is ripe with fruit. tasted blind so first thought was a new world syrah. Lots of chocolate on the nose from long time in wood/bottle. smooth ripe tannins and med+ racy acidity. Definitely drink now.
November 9, 2014 - liked this a lot. needs air. very restrained syrah. nice iron, mineral etc.
October 13, 2014 - Tasted over 2 days. Nose rather subdued and quite hot. Flops lazily on the palate--no focus. Watery sour cherries with a dab of olive tapenade. Fine to barely good wine with some redeeming red fruit flavors that pair quite well with various foods but certainly nothing great. Much better with food than without.
November 2, 2013 - tasted plum, dark fruits and pepper. PnP. OK for value of $20, but a little disappointed. A bit tart. and has not softened after 2 hours. Will try balance next day. Strong fruit upfront, but modest finish.
August 13, 2013 - Last bottle, brought to Ben's for Davis' party. Was drinking nicely on the PnP. This is a nice, medium weight wine with good Syrah character, a smoky nose, and good red fruit. Well balanced fruit, acidity, and a bit of minerality. Easy to drink and food friendly. Was a great QPR at $15