October 27, 2023 - Was expecting the worst based on reviews.
Great cork and pop upon opening. Decanted. Bottle was in the fridge (long story) so needed time to warm up. First sip, old moldy socks, maybe was past. However after an hour in the decanter the funk blew off and the usual Cote Rotie vibe unfurled. Remainder was quaffed rather quickly. Wished I had let breath 3 hrs, would have been far better.
Nice pleasant surprise. All at my poker group were enamored. ))
July 13, 2022 - A bit Hollow at the core.
February 5, 2022 - Much better vs the 1998 opened last night. Fully mature with earthy aromas and flavors fully Complementing the black fruits. Bits of leather, herbs de provence, black pepper and braised meat add to the nuance here. The’98 was backward, this is nearing the end of its peak drinking window.
September 9, 2021 - Brick rim, ruby center, medium body, notes of smoke, black olives, spices, leather & steamed veggies, sweet with a lengthy finish. Very complex nose, just wonderful. Pull the corks as the wine is at it’s peak where it may hold another 5 years.
August 18, 2019 - I think it's probably at its peak right now. Savory and floral. Wide open.
October 19, 2018 - 10Y Weekend (Day 1) (Søllerød Kro): From MG
May 12, 2018 - Drinking great; mature but still lively. Very fragrant, with nice leather, meat, earth and herbs. Savory, velvety and delicious.
April 8, 2018 - Vinetasters: Cornas vs. Cote Rotie (Skokie, IL): Served double blind in a flight of Cornas or Cote Rotie. Fresh roasted coffee on the nose here. A little bit of tomato as well. On the nose alone, I'm thinking this is a modernist Cote-Rotie with about 15-20 years on it. Exceedingly astringent. Where's the fruit here? Lots and lots of acid as well. Quite unpleasant and unbalanced. My 11th, group's 9th.
April 6, 2018 - Light ruby with faded outer third. Lots of VA on the nose. Medium weight, mineral, astringent feel. Old fashioned, but the fruit has definitely dropped out somewhat, and greener flavors carry the day. Very Italianate. Not too much left at this point.
March 27, 2018 - Ruby red, glossy with fading edge.
Refined spicy nose, dark spice, tar and licorice. Black fruits and soft herbal edge.
Soft, faded palate with pleasant but dilute flavours. Black currant, plum, tar and licorice, a little white pepper. Past its peak but flavours still pure, not overly developed. Drinking nicely.