Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie Rhone Wine, Complete Guide

Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie Rhone Valley Wine

Learn everything about Rene Rostaing, Cote Rotie with wine tasting notes, wine and food pairing tips, best vintages, a history of the property and information on the vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important wineries and wine makers from the Rhone valley: Links to all Rhone Valley Wine Producer Profiles

Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie History, Overview

Rene Rostaing produced their first wine in 1971. But it took almost 3 decades before wine became a full time occupation for Rene Rostaing. The genesis of the Rene Rostaing winery came about through marriage.

The wife of Rene Rostaing, was the daughter of the famed Cote Rotie grower, Albert Dervieux. She was also the niece of Marius Gentaz-Dervieux who gave Christine Dervieux the vineyards that became the estate for Rene Rostaing.

Through inheritance from Albert Dervieux Thaize, his father-in-law who retired in 1990, and from Marius Gentaz Dervieux, his uncle, Rene Rostaing was able to expand his Northern Rhone holdings, giving him some of the best terroir in Cote Rotie.

The new vineyard land was basically 3 small parcels in the La Landonne, Cote Brune and Vialliere lieux-dits. This initial expansion from his initial tiny parcel, allowed Rene Rostaing to change careers as he had enough vineyard land to become a full time vigneron. Since 2007, the estate has ably managed by Pierre Rostaing, the son of Rene Rostaing.

Rene Rostaing Vineyards, Wines, Winemaking

Currently Rene Rostaing owns 7.5 hectares of vines that are spread out among 20 different parcels located in 14 lieux-dits. It is the blending of those various terroirs that creates the style of Rene Rostaing.

Perhaps the most celebrated vines of Rene Rostaing are the 1.6 hectares of vines they own in the La Landonne vineyard. On La Landonne, they have vines that are more than 60 years of age. Some of their oldest vines are close to 100 years of age! Those are his largest holdings. The smallest vineyards of Rene Rostaing are located on Cote Blonde.

Rene Rostaing also has vines planted in the Fonjean, La Vialliere, Le Plomb, Bouchare, Leyat, La Roche and La Tupin lieu-dits. Their oldest vines are more than 70 years of age and are used for Rene Rostaing Cote Blonde.

The majority of those plantings are on the steep hillsides with mica, schist and rocky soils. Close to 25% of their vines are closer to the bottom of the slopes and on the flats.

Rene Rostaing remains a traditional Cote Rotie producer who is not among the last to harvest. His wines are aged using very little new, French oak barrels for the aging. On average, Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie are aged in about 10% new French oak barrels.

The best vintages of Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie are: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2003, 2001, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1995, 1991, 1990, 1989 and 1985.

Rene Rostaing produces 5 different Cote Rotie wines:

Rene Rostaing Ampodium, which was previously known as Rostaing Cuvee Classique, is a blend of 13 sections of different vineyards, but it does not include their best holdings on La Landonne or Cote Blonde. The fruit for Rene Rostaing Ampodium has at least 40% or more of the stems removed.

The wine is usually made from 100% Syrah and is aged in an average of 15% to 25% new, French oak barrels. The amount of new oak can be less, depending on the character of the vintage.

About 1,750 cases are produced each year. The wine is no longer called Cuvee Classique, the name was changed to Rene Rostaing Ampodium with the 2009 vintage.

Rene Rostaing La Landonne comes from a terroir consisting of sands with iron oxide. This wine is always produced from 100% Syrah. The grapes are partially destemmed, with about 10% to 20% of the stems removed, depending on the vintage.

There are vintages when no destemming takes place. The remainder of the grapes are whole bunch fermented in stainless steel vats.

Rene Rostaing is not a big believer of using too much new oak for the aging, which on average uses 10% new, French oak barrels and the remainder of the harvest is aged in demi-muids and French oak barrels.

This wine is like most wines from La Landonne, masculine and meaty in character, requiring at least a decade to soften and develop. On average, Rene Rostaing La Landonne produces less than 600 cases per vintage.

Rene Rostaing Cote Blonde is for me, the best wine from Rostaing. It’s produced from a blend that is usually 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier.

The grapes are co-fermented. The vineyards are planted in terroir that people in the region call arzel. Arzel is a poor, mineral laden soil with deposits of silex and mica on a steep hillside. The vines used to produce this beauty are often more than 50 years of age.

The grapes are partially destemmed. About 35% to 50% of the stems are removed. The remainder of the grapes are whole bunch fermented in stainless steel vats. Rene Rostaing is not a big believer in using too much new oak for the aging, which means that on average they use 10% new, French oak barrels.

The remainder of the harvest is aged in demi-muids. Rene Rostaing Cote Blonde is an exotic, opulent wine with great character and charm. It’s not inexpensive. But the truth is, for a Cote Rotie of this quality, it’s really priced at a fair level.

Rene Rostaing Cote Blonde remains the hardest to find in the marketplace and most collectible of all their wines. In fact, they only produce close to an average of 350 cases of this delicious, Cote Rotie in most vintages. It is a wine to buy as soon as it hits the market, as it becomes more expensive and harder to find, rather quickly.

Rene Rostaing Cote Brune made its debut with the 2013 vintage. The vines were once part of the holdings of Marius Gentaz, which eventually passed to Rene Rostaing. Rostaing replanted those vines in 2000.

Made from 100% Syrah, the first two vintages, 2013 and 2014 were both the products of slightly difficult years in Cote Rotie. 2016 is the first strong year the wine was produced in.

Rene Rostaing la Viaillere is made from 100% old vine Syrah. The majority of the vines for this vineyard specific wine from the Cote Brune are over 100 years of age! The grapes are 100% destemmed. The wine is aged in demi-muids for 18-22 months prior to bottling. Generally speaking, the oldest vines planted in la Viaillere are used for this wine, while younger vines are placed into their Ampodium. very little of this wine is produced.

When to Drink Rene Rostaing, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Rene Rostaing, when young, should be decanted at least 1-3 hours, give or take, allowing the wines to soften and open their perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.

Rene Rostaing is usually better with 7-10 years of cellaring and should be at its best between 10-25 years of age.

Serving Rene Rostaing with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Rene Rostaing is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

Rene Rostaing is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, grilled and barbecue dishes. Rene Rostaing is also good with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, cheese and pasta.

Condrieu, the white wine of Rene Rostaing is best served with a myriad of different seafood dishes, shellfish, crab, lobster, sushi, sashimi, chicken, pork and veal, as well as Asian cuisine.

Rene Rostaing also produces a great Northern Rhone value wine, Puech Chaude, from a vineyard he purchased in the mid 1990’s. The winery has been renamed Puech Noble. Puech Noble is produced from grapes grown in the Coteaux du Languedoc, which is located not far from Nimes.

The wine is usually produced from a blend of 80% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and 10% Grenache and is aged 50% in tank and 50% in barrel. Rene Rostaing also produced wine in Condrieu and Vin de Pays. With the 2007 vintage, Rene Rostaing added Les Lezardes, made from 100% old vine Syrah, planted in vines located just outside Cote Rotie in Vin de pays des Collines Rhodaniennes.

Over the past few years, Rene Rostaing Cote Blonde has jumped in price, as more people have discovered its stellar quality and style. But the wine is more than good enough to warrant its current high price.

www.domainerostaing.com

Rene Rostaing Wine Tasting Notes

37 Vintages 216,237 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating

2020
92
Leafy cherries, black raspberries, flowers, and green olives form the core of this wine. On the palate, the medium-bodied wine is soft, polished, fresh, and refined, with a touch of crushed in the red berry-filled, silky-textured finish. Drink from 2023-2035.

Leafy cherries, black raspberries, flowers, and green olives form the core of this wine. On the palate, the medium-bodied wine is soft, polished, fresh, and refined, with a touch of crushed in the red berry-filled, silky-textured finish. Drink from 2023-2035.

3,194 Views   Tasted
2020
91
White peaches, flowers, and apricots pop with ease. Aged in stainless steel tanks, the wine is fresh, finishing with more of those sweet ripe peaches with a touch of orange spice in the endnote. Drink from 2023-2026

White peaches, flowers, and apricots pop with ease. Aged in stainless steel tanks, the wine is fresh, finishing with more of those sweet ripe peaches with a touch of orange spice in the endnote. Drink from 2023-2026

1,881 Views   Tasted
2020
89
Produced from 100% Syrah from 3 separate parcels located just outside the boundaries of Cote Rotie, the medium-bodied wine is forward, juicy, sweet, fresh, soft, and spicy, with a cherry-packed endnote. Drink from 2022-2027.

Produced from 100% Syrah from 3 separate parcels located just outside the boundaries of Cote Rotie, the medium-bodied wine is forward, juicy, sweet, fresh, soft, and spicy, with a cherry-packed endnote. Drink from 2022-2027.

1,830 Views   Tasted
2020
88
Forward, soft, easy to drink, light to medium-bodied charmer with a softness to the fruit and a hint of peppery herbs in the strawberry and black raspberry-oriented finish. Drink from 2022-2026.

Forward, soft, easy to drink, light to medium-bodied charmer with a softness to the fruit and a hint of peppery herbs in the strawberry and black raspberry-oriented finish. Drink from 2022-2026.

1,349 Views   Tasted
2019
98
Smoky, floral, oceanic, kirsch, and cigar box aromatics take no effort to find. On the palate, the wine is elegant, structured, pure, and rich with layers of dark, ripe, smoky cherries and pepper. The finish builds, expands, and lingers, leaving you with minerality, black cherries, and a hint of Valrhona chocolate in the backend of the finish. This will age and evolve for decades. But good luck finding any as less than 1,000 bottles were produced. Drink from 2025-2055.

Smoky, floral, oceanic, kirsch, and cigar box aromatics take no effort to find. On the palate, the wine is elegant, structured, pure, and rich with layers of dark, ripe, smoky cherries and pepper. The finish builds, expands, and lingers, leaving you with minerality, black cherries, and a hint of Valrhona chocolate in the backend of the finish. This will age and evolve for decades. But good luck finding any as less than 1,000 bottles were produced. Drink from 2025-2055.

2,465 Views   Tasted
2019
97
The wine opens with flowers and smoke before you discover the layers of sweet, ripe, dark cherries and plums. Concentrated, elegant, vibrant, fresh, sensuous, and rich, texturally, this is a stunning wine that should only get better from here. Drink from 2025-2050.

The wine opens with flowers and smoke before you discover the layers of sweet, ripe, dark cherries and plums. Concentrated, elegant, vibrant, fresh, sensuous, and rich, texturally, this is a stunning wine that should only get better from here. Drink from 2025-2050.

3,120 Views   Tasted
2019
96
From Rostaing's oldest vines, some of which are over 100 years in age, the deeply colored wine is full-bodied, rich, deep, lush, and intense. The fruit is silky, elegant, and structured with a palate loaded with dark black fruit, herbs, and crushed rocks. There is a beautiful purity and balance to this wine. Drink from 2025-2045.

From Rostaing's oldest vines, some of which are over 100 years in age, the deeply colored wine is full-bodied, rich, deep, lush, and intense. The fruit is silky, elegant, and structured with a palate loaded with dark black fruit, herbs, and crushed rocks. There is a beautiful purity and balance to this wine. Drink from 2025-2045.

2,447 Views   Tasted
2019
96
Flowers, black plums. blackberries, black cherries, smoke, licorice, herbs, olive, and spice shine in the perfume. The wine is full-bodied, long, and intense. Drink from 2025-2045.

Flowers, black plums. blackberries, black cherries, smoke, licorice, herbs, olive, and spice shine in the perfume. The wine is full-bodied, long, and intense. Drink from 2025-2045.

3,543 Views   Tasted
2019
92
Medium-bodied, elegant, fresh, and lifted, the wine is forward, making it easy to enjoy all of the ripe, sweet, red fruits with their accents of smoke, licorice, and olives. Drink from 2022-2033.

Medium-bodied, elegant, fresh, and lifted, the wine is forward, making it easy to enjoy all of the ripe, sweet, red fruits with their accents of smoke, licorice, and olives. Drink from 2022-2033.

3,128 Views   Tasted
2019
90
Elegant kirsch and peppered black raspberry-filled, soft, medium-bodied, fresh wine for early consumption. Drink from 2022-2027.

Elegant kirsch and peppered black raspberry-filled, soft, medium-bodied, fresh wine for early consumption. Drink from 2022-2027.

1,435 Views   Tasted
2016
98
This is going to be impossible to find, as the production is quite small. But it is worth grabbing a bottle if you can find one for all the layers of pure kirsch, cherry and plum that have this fabulous cut and verve, Peppery, powerful yet elegant and regal, this is just great. The wine is made from vines planted in 2003 plant in Ampoudim. Only 75 cases are produced each vintage. Making it even harder to find, the wine is not made in every vintage. As of 2018, the wine has only been produced twice, in 2013 and 2016.

This is going to be impossible to find, as the production is quite small. But it is worth grabbing a bottle if you can find one for all the layers of pure kirsch, cherry and plum that have this fabulous cut and verve, Peppery, powerful yet elegant and regal, this is just great. The wine is made from vines planted in 2003 plant in Ampoudim. Only 75 cases are produced each vintage. Making it even harder to find, the wine is not made in every vintage. As of 2018, the wine has only been produced twice, in 2013 and 2016.

3,914 Views   Tasted
2016
97
Not that far off the sublime 2015, this is however quite different in style. Not quite as exotic, you find more freshness and vibrancy here. Rene Rostaing prefers the 2016 over the 2015, saying it's more his style of Cote Rotie. The wine has good concentration and layers of sweet, ripe, rocky, mineralistic, pit fruits.

Not that far off the sublime 2015, this is however quite different in style. Not quite as exotic, you find more freshness and vibrancy here. Rene Rostaing prefers the 2016 over the 2015, saying it's more his style of Cote Rotie. The wine has good concentration and layers of sweet, ripe, rocky, mineralistic, pit fruits.

3,682 Views   Tasted
2016
96
Full bodied, floral, stony, fresh and intense, the cherries have a polish and purity, the tannins are ripe, the fruit is juicy and there is this meaty character that makes it way along with the fruits, giving this a fabulous character. Give it a decade or so in the cellar, as this is not going to be much fun in its youth.

Full bodied, floral, stony, fresh and intense, the cherries have a polish and purity, the tannins are ripe, the fruit is juicy and there is this meaty character that makes it way along with the fruits, giving this a fabulous character. Give it a decade or so in the cellar, as this is not going to be much fun in its youth.

3,846 Views   Tasted
2016
90
Medium bodied, fresh, lively, vibrant and floral, the wine is loaded with stony, crisp, sweet, pure, red pit fruits and crushed rocks. Give it a few years of age before popping a cork. You'll have a much better wine.

Medium bodied, fresh, lively, vibrant and floral, the wine is loaded with stony, crisp, sweet, pure, red pit fruits and crushed rocks. Give it a few years of age before popping a cork. You'll have a much better wine.

3,165 Views   Tasted
2016
87
Soft, supple, early drinking, fruity, spicy, black raspberry-filled, medium-bodied wine that is fully developed. Drink from 2022-2025.

Soft, supple, early drinking, fruity, spicy, black raspberry-filled, medium-bodied wine that is fully developed. Drink from 2022-2025.

1,783 Views   Tasted
2015
98
Incredibly ripe, the nose screams with its floral, red dark red and blue fruit profile. Spice, earthy, sweet and fresh, the silky textured palate feel has an exotic note that carries through from start to finish. The wine has length, complexity, concentration and purity, but it's going to demand at least another decade before it comes together and moves past its primary essence.

Incredibly ripe, the nose screams with its floral, red dark red and blue fruit profile. Spice, earthy, sweet and fresh, the silky textured palate feel has an exotic note that carries through from start to finish. The wine has length, complexity, concentration and purity, but it's going to demand at least another decade before it comes together and moves past its primary essence.

6,130 Views   Tasted
2015
94
Full-bodied, fresh and focused on its core of green olives, pepper, crushed rock and dark red fruits, there is an elegance to the texture, with zest in the fruit and firmness in the tannins that beg to be laid down for a decade.

Full-bodied, fresh and focused on its core of green olives, pepper, crushed rock and dark red fruits, there is an elegance to the texture, with zest in the fruit and firmness in the tannins that beg to be laid down for a decade.

6,155 Views   Tasted
2015
92
Earthy, fresh, polished, medium bodied, sweet, lush and peppery, there is a boatload of fruit and freshness here, with a spicy, earthy undertone. Vibrant, and fruity, just a few years are needed before this really sings.

Earthy, fresh, polished, medium bodied, sweet, lush and peppery, there is a boatload of fruit and freshness here, with a spicy, earthy undertone. Vibrant, and fruity, just a few years are needed before this really sings.

3,950 Views   Tasted
2012
91
Young, but someone needs to check out these babies, now and then. Already charming, with loads of freshness, peppery, sweet cherries, thyme, black raspberry, olives and herbs. Bright, with softness and refinement, the wine is medium/full bodied and should develop nicely for at least 10-15 more years.

Young, but someone needs to check out these babies, now and then. Already charming, with loads of freshness, peppery, sweet cherries, thyme, black raspberry, olives and herbs. Bright, with softness and refinement, the wine is medium/full bodied and should develop nicely for at least 10-15 more years.

4,151 Views   Tasted
2010
98
This is a super wine with a great future. Purity of fruit, exotic, silky textures, concentration, length and complexity is what you'll find here. 1-2 hours in the decanter will add the right amount of softness. We only finished half the bottle, replaced the cork and placed the bottle in the fridge overnight. Served the next day, the wine was almost as good as it was 24 hours earlier. If you are a fan of Rene Rostaing, this belongs in your cellar.

This is a super wine with a great future. Purity of fruit, exotic, silky textures, concentration, length and complexity is what you'll find here. 1-2 hours in the decanter will add the right amount of softness. We only finished half the bottle, replaced the cork and placed the bottle in the fridge overnight. Served the next day, the wine was almost as good as it was 24 hours earlier. If you are a fan of Rene Rostaing, this belongs in your cellar.

3,846 Views   Tasted
WOW! This is super. If you like Cote Rotie at its opulent, exotic best, this wine is for you. If that's not enough of a tasting note to get you going, and you want more, the wine is dark in color. While obviously a baby, the explosive nose with its floral, peach, black raspberry, cherry liqueur and spicy scents is right on target. But it's the sensuous textures, freshness, purity of fruit, length and stunning persistence that brings it all home. If you are a fan of Rene Rostaing and Cote Rotie, this is a wine to buy.

WOW! This is super. If you like Cote Rotie at its opulent, exotic best, this wine is for you. If that's not enough of a tasting note to get you going, and you want more, the wine is dark in color. While obviously a baby, the explosive nose with its floral, peach, black raspberry, cherry liqueur and spicy scents is right on target. But it's the sensuous textures, freshness, purity of fruit, length and stunning persistence that brings it all home. If you are a fan of Rene Rostaing and Cote Rotie, this is a wine to buy.

4,527 Views   Tasted
2010
95
Dark in color and fruit, the wine is surprisingly forward for such a young vintage of La Landonne. Full-bodied, with good purity of fruit that focuses on the dark red berry side, the wine is peppery, tannic, and round in the mouth. If aging adds more length, this would earn an even higher score.=

Dark in color and fruit, the wine is surprisingly forward for such a young vintage of La Landonne. Full-bodied, with good purity of fruit that focuses on the dark red berry side, the wine is peppery, tannic, and round in the mouth. If aging adds more length, this would earn an even higher score.=

4,750 Views   Tasted
2010
87
Not a wine to age, this medium bodied wine is fully ready to go with its soft, ripe, dark red fruits with hints of licorice. The finish is fairly short, which takes away from the wine.

Not a wine to age, this medium bodied wine is fully ready to go with its soft, ripe, dark red fruits with hints of licorice. The finish is fairly short, which takes away from the wine.

2,027 Views   Tasted
2009
97
Fresh, elegant, refined, and sensuous, the wine is packed with layers of flowers, smoke, and sweet, ripe, elevated kirsch, the wine ends with length, purity, and energy. This has entered its prime time drinking window. Drink from 2022-2040.

Fresh, elegant, refined, and sensuous, the wine is packed with layers of flowers, smoke, and sweet, ripe, elevated kirsch, the wine ends with length, purity, and energy. This has entered its prime time drinking window. Drink from 2022-2040.

3,036 Views   Tasted
This is even better than the last time I tasted it, a few years ago. Sensuous in nature, the exotic, velvet textures steal the show. Full bodied, rich and with depth of flavor, complexity and great style, the fruit has purity, there is length and freshness. This should age gracefully for 15-20 more years with little trouble.

This is even better than the last time I tasted it, a few years ago. Sensuous in nature, the exotic, velvet textures steal the show. Full bodied, rich and with depth of flavor, complexity and great style, the fruit has purity, there is length and freshness. This should age gracefully for 15-20 more years with little trouble.

4,560 Views   Tasted
Dark in color, concentrated, deep and young, it's hard to miss the seductive quality of this stunner, with its silky tannins coupled with layers ripe, sweet, luscious, fresh fruits, flowers, smoke, licorice, herbs, black raspberry and cherry liqueur aromas.

Dark in color, concentrated, deep and young, it's hard to miss the seductive quality of this stunner, with its silky tannins coupled with layers ripe, sweet, luscious, fresh fruits, flowers, smoke, licorice, herbs, black raspberry and cherry liqueur aromas.

5,437 Views   Tasted
2007
94
Fully developed, the wine opens with tobacco leaf, cigar box, smoke, blackberry, and cherry tones on the nose. Full-bodied, gracious, refined, filled classy red fruits. This is really drinking great today. Drink from 2022-2032.

Fully developed, the wine opens with tobacco leaf, cigar box, smoke, blackberry, and cherry tones on the nose. Full-bodied, gracious, refined, filled classy red fruits. This is really drinking great today. Drink from 2022-2032.

2,495 Views   Tasted
2007
89
Normally, this is one of my favorite Cote Rotie wines. But based on two bottles from the same case, it's not on the top of my list in 2007. Barnyard, leather, earth, meat, strawberry and spice aromas led into a concentrated wine. The wine was fresh, but lacked the exciting ripe red berries and exotic textures so often found in this wine. This was not a bad wine, but it failed to show the domaine at its best.

Normally, this is one of my favorite Cote Rotie wines. But based on two bottles from the same case, it's not on the top of my list in 2007. Barnyard, leather, earth, meat, strawberry and spice aromas led into a concentrated wine. The wine was fresh, but lacked the exciting ripe red berries and exotic textures so often found in this wine. This was not a bad wine, but it failed to show the domaine at its best.

4,070 Views   Tasted
2003
96
At close to 14 years of age, this is really coming of age. The nose explodes with black cherry liqueur, charcoal, smoke, herbs, licorice, earth and gun flint aromas. The texture takes it to the next level with its opulent, sensuous mouth feel. The wild cherry in the finish shows a beautiful sense of purity. No decanting needed here. Pop and pour delivers the magic. Not quite as concentrated as previous bottles, but the wine has really added a lot of sensuality on the palate.

At close to 14 years of age, this is really coming of age. The nose explodes with black cherry liqueur, charcoal, smoke, herbs, licorice, earth and gun flint aromas. The texture takes it to the next level with its opulent, sensuous mouth feel. The wild cherry in the finish shows a beautiful sense of purity. No decanting needed here. Pop and pour delivers the magic. Not quite as concentrated as previous bottles, but the wine has really added a lot of sensuality on the palate.

4,042 Views   Tasted
What a super wine! Poured into a decanter and a glass. From the first sip, this wine rocked. Lush, rich, sweet, fat, clean fruit, a fragrance that grew as the wine enjoyed air with ample structure and ripe tannins to age, what more can you ask for? Very stylish wine that will only get better with time.

What a super wine! Poured into a decanter and a glass. From the first sip, this wine rocked. Lush, rich, sweet, fat, clean fruit, a fragrance that grew as the wine enjoyed air with ample structure and ripe tannins to age, what more can you ask for? Very stylish wine that will only get better with time.

5,339 Views   Tasted
2003
94
A superb wine that avoids the intensity of the heat, here you find dark, deep red fruits, herbs, smoke and crushed rocks. Lush, round and developed, with a rich, dark kirsch filled finish, this is in its prime time window.

A superb wine that avoids the intensity of the heat, here you find dark, deep red fruits, herbs, smoke and crushed rocks. Lush, round and developed, with a rich, dark kirsch filled finish, this is in its prime time window.

3,667 Views   Tasted
Elegant, refined, sweet, high toned, balanced and complex, the wine offers this great, floral note, with red berries, wet earth and spice. Soft, silky textured, sweet red fruits seal the deal. No decanting needed, this is drinking great today.

Elegant, refined, sweet, high toned, balanced and complex, the wine offers this great, floral note, with red berries, wet earth and spice. Soft, silky textured, sweet red fruits seal the deal. No decanting needed, this is drinking great today.

3,766 Views   Tasted
This is one sexy, exotic bottle of juice. It is has silky, erotic texture to the fresh cherries that you can only get with Cotie Rotie. The finish is long, the nose is complex and it's ready to go. If you have a bottle and you're feeling hedonistic, pop a cork.

This is one sexy, exotic bottle of juice. It is has silky, erotic texture to the fresh cherries that you can only get with Cotie Rotie. The finish is long, the nose is complex and it's ready to go. If you have a bottle and you're feeling hedonistic, pop a cork.

2,932 Views   Tasted
Drink great today, this sensuously textured, richly concentrated wine is packed with fresh, sweet, ripe cherries, black raspberries, fresh herbs, earth and minerality. Popped and poured, the wine improved over the next two hours.

Drink great today, this sensuously textured, richly concentrated wine is packed with fresh, sweet, ripe cherries, black raspberries, fresh herbs, earth and minerality. Popped and poured, the wine improved over the next two hours.

3,175 Views   Tasted
A beautiful, deep ruby red hue, with a perfume that reminds me of pure kirsch, licorice, bacon fat, and garrigue splashed over rocks and gravel. In the mouth, concentrated layers of pure, fresh, spicy black and red cherries, lush, sensuous textures and pure, ripe fruits. This is drinking great now! The wine improved in the glass for at least 2 hours. It might have continued getting better, but I could not stop tasting it. This flamboyant Rostaing Cote Blonde will only get better over the next decade or longer.

A beautiful, deep ruby red hue, with a perfume that reminds me of pure kirsch, licorice, bacon fat, and garrigue splashed over rocks and gravel. In the mouth, concentrated layers of pure, fresh, spicy black and red cherries, lush, sensuous textures and pure, ripe fruits. This is drinking great now! The wine improved in the glass for at least 2 hours. It might have continued getting better, but I could not stop tasting it. This flamboyant Rostaing Cote Blonde will only get better over the next decade or longer.

3,033 Views   Tasted
1999
99
Perched on the corner of elegance and refinement, the wine grabs you with all of its smoke, flowers, spice, licorice mint, and cherry tones. There is length, purity, vibrancy, and complexity as well as a sensuality to the texture that makes this bottle impossible to stop drinking. No decanting is needed, just pop, pour and enjoy. Drink from 2022-2035.

Perched on the corner of elegance and refinement, the wine grabs you with all of its smoke, flowers, spice, licorice mint, and cherry tones. There is length, purity, vibrancy, and complexity as well as a sensuality to the texture that makes this bottle impossible to stop drinking. No decanting is needed, just pop, pour and enjoy. Drink from 2022-2035.

2,453 Views   Tasted
Aging beautifully, at 21 years old, this stunner has it all. The nose, with its flowers, smoke, thyme, spice, herbs, crushed rock, pepper and ripe red berry nose gets things off to a good start. On the palate, it’s even better. It’s balanced between fresh, racy pure red fruits and silky, opulent lifted textures that stick and expand. This is a thinking mans sexy wine.

Aging beautifully, at 21 years old, this stunner has it all. The nose, with its flowers, smoke, thyme, spice, herbs, crushed rock, pepper and ripe red berry nose gets things off to a good start. On the palate, it’s even better. It’s balanced between fresh, racy pure red fruits and silky, opulent lifted textures that stick and expand. This is a thinking mans sexy wine.

2,828 Views   Tasted
Still deep in color, this looks like a recent release. Cinnamon, smoke, charcoal, dark chocolate covered cherries, plums and floral notes create the complex perfume. The wine delivers a beautiful purity of fruit, with freshness, balance and silky textures. The long, sexy finish ends with licorice, cherry liqueur, cocoa and an intriguing, earthy note. Drink this now or age it for years. This is a stunning bottle of Cote Rotie.

Still deep in color, this looks like a recent release. Cinnamon, smoke, charcoal, dark chocolate covered cherries, plums and floral notes create the complex perfume. The wine delivers a beautiful purity of fruit, with freshness, balance and silky textures. The long, sexy finish ends with licorice, cherry liqueur, cocoa and an intriguing, earthy note. Drink this now or age it for years. This is a stunning bottle of Cote Rotie.

4,373 Views   Tasted
Your nose is greeted by an explosive perfume filled with flowers, cherry liqueur, pepper, earth, smoke, stone and bacon fat aromas. Luscious waves of polished, opulent textured, ripe black cherries and kirsch are found in the long, pure, elegant finish. This is close to mature where it should remain for several years. From experience tasting older vintages, I'd drink this before the wine hits its 20th birthday.

Your nose is greeted by an explosive perfume filled with flowers, cherry liqueur, pepper, earth, smoke, stone and bacon fat aromas. Luscious waves of polished, opulent textured, ripe black cherries and kirsch are found in the long, pure, elegant finish. This is close to mature where it should remain for several years. From experience tasting older vintages, I'd drink this before the wine hits its 20th birthday.

5,259 Views   Tasted
This spectacular wine opens with extremely ripe black cherries, garrigue, violets, earth, bacon fat, fresh cracked pepper, forest and provencial herbs and cherry tobacco. This powerful wine coats every nook and cranny of your mouth and paints your tongue with fleshy kirsch flavors. The texture is pure sex and elegance. The flawless, seamless, harmonious fresh, spicy, dark cherry and boysenberry filled finish remains for at least 60! This probably deserves a perfect score. I'm holding back a point for the moment. But I reserve the right to change my mind. Wines like this a unique tasting experiences that seldom come around. It's worth the money and effort to try a bottle.

This spectacular wine opens with extremely ripe black cherries, garrigue, violets, earth, bacon fat, fresh cracked pepper, forest and provencial herbs and cherry tobacco. This powerful wine coats every nook and cranny of your mouth and paints your tongue with fleshy kirsch flavors. The texture is pure sex and elegance. The flawless, seamless, harmonious fresh, spicy, dark cherry and boysenberry filled finish remains for at least 60! This probably deserves a perfect score. I'm holding back a point for the moment. But I reserve the right to change my mind. Wines like this a unique tasting experiences that seldom come around. It's worth the money and effort to try a bottle.

6,166 Views   Tasted
Even with decanting, the wine was tight. Still, with coaxing, it was not hard to find liqueur like scents of black fruit, spices, cassis, raspberry and black cherry jam. On the palate, it offers a very lush sensation. The bright, seamless finish lasts close to a minute.

Even with decanting, the wine was tight. Still, with coaxing, it was not hard to find liqueur like scents of black fruit, spices, cassis, raspberry and black cherry jam. On the palate, it offers a very lush sensation. The bright, seamless finish lasts close to a minute.

5,376 Views   Tasted
1999
98
At a few weeks, before the wine reaches its 20th birthday celebration, this is rocking! Full-bodied, opulently textured and packed with layers of ripe, dark red fruits from start to finish. The end note, with its spicy, deep red fruits lingers and expands.

At a few weeks, before the wine reaches its 20th birthday celebration, this is rocking! Full-bodied, opulently textured and packed with layers of ripe, dark red fruits from start to finish. The end note, with its spicy, deep red fruits lingers and expands.

3,591 Views   Tasted
The first bottle from my case purchased on release did not disappoint. Rich, deep, long and fresh, the fruit was ripe, pure and offered a great sense of intensity, crushed stone, spice, pepper and earth. Concentrated, polished, supple and with backbone, the wine tasted as good as it felt. This should improve, but now is the right time to begin exploring this wine.

The first bottle from my case purchased on release did not disappoint. Rich, deep, long and fresh, the fruit was ripe, pure and offered a great sense of intensity, crushed stone, spice, pepper and earth. Concentrated, polished, supple and with backbone, the wine tasted as good as it felt. This should improve, but now is the right time to begin exploring this wine.

2,718 Views   Tasted
1998
96
Long, exotic, rich, full and deep, the sensually-textured, red fruits fill your palate, lingering and expanding. This is drinking in the sweet spot today. If you are lucky enough to have a bottle in your cellar, now is the time to be drinking it.

Long, exotic, rich, full and deep, the sensually-textured, red fruits fill your palate, lingering and expanding. This is drinking in the sweet spot today. If you are lucky enough to have a bottle in your cellar, now is the time to be drinking it.

2,495 Views   Tasted
If you are a Cote Rotie fan, this is a must-have for your cellar. Silky, sexy, bright and fresh, the wine gets your attention from the start, with its smoky, herb, spice and red berry nose continuing through to the sensuous, long, rich palate filling finish. No need to decant, just get to it!

If you are a Cote Rotie fan, this is a must-have for your cellar. Silky, sexy, bright and fresh, the wine gets your attention from the start, with its smoky, herb, spice and red berry nose continuing through to the sensuous, long, rich palate filling finish. No need to decant, just get to it!

3,653 Views   Tasted
Silky, sexy, ripe, polished fruit, intoxicating aromas and a long, opulent finish that has moved into the prime time drinking window. Popped and poured, it was delicious. If you have a bottle, I would not do much more than splash decant this beauty and let it evolve in the glass.

Silky, sexy, ripe, polished fruit, intoxicating aromas and a long, opulent finish that has moved into the prime time drinking window. Popped and poured, it was delicious. If you have a bottle, I would not do much more than splash decant this beauty and let it evolve in the glass.

3,289 Views   Tasted
This beautiful, sensuous Cote Rotie is packed with licorice, earth, sweet kirsch and floral aromas, exotic textures and a long, supple, fresh, red berry and spice finish. This is right in the sweet spot. If you cannot afford one of the Guigal La La's, this is the wine to buy.

This beautiful, sensuous Cote Rotie is packed with licorice, earth, sweet kirsch and floral aromas, exotic textures and a long, supple, fresh, red berry and spice finish. This is right in the sweet spot. If you cannot afford one of the Guigal La La's, this is the wine to buy.

3,484 Views   Tasted
This stunning Cote Rotie is the real deal. Flowers, black cherry liqueur, truffle, licorice, earth, black raspberry, stone and an array of spices grabs your attention. With a texture of pure, exotic silk and velvet, this lush, opulent, sexy wine ends with a rich, concentrated wave of incredibly ripe, pure, molten black cherries. Close to mature, this sultry Rhone should deliver pleasure for at least another 10-15 years. But there is no reason to wait as it offers a stunning tasting experience today.

This stunning Cote Rotie is the real deal. Flowers, black cherry liqueur, truffle, licorice, earth, black raspberry, stone and an array of spices grabs your attention. With a texture of pure, exotic silk and velvet, this lush, opulent, sexy wine ends with a rich, concentrated wave of incredibly ripe, pure, molten black cherries. Close to mature, this sultry Rhone should deliver pleasure for at least another 10-15 years. But there is no reason to wait as it offers a stunning tasting experience today.

3,996 Views   Tasted
Deeply colored, packed and stacked with multiple layers of rich, ripe, opulent, black Cote Rotie fruit coupled with red fruit accents, flowers and gobs of glycerin fully coat your palate. The mouthfeel is pure silk and satin. Wow! This is very sexy juice. Each sip holds your interest as the wine improves in the glass.

Deeply colored, packed and stacked with multiple layers of rich, ripe, opulent, black Cote Rotie fruit coupled with red fruit accents, flowers and gobs of glycerin fully coat your palate. The mouthfeel is pure silk and satin. Wow! This is very sexy juice. Each sip holds your interest as the wine improves in the glass.

4,204 Views   Tasted
1998
92
Close to full maturity, this is better in the nose with its dark fruits, plum, underbrush and pepper scents. I liked the wine, it had some roundness to its texture coupled with ripe berries, but it felt more well made than exciting.

Close to full maturity, this is better in the nose with its dark fruits, plum, underbrush and pepper scents. I liked the wine, it had some roundness to its texture coupled with ripe berries, but it felt more well made than exciting.

4,106 Views   Tasted
Jammy black fruits, pepper, plum, herbs, spice and black raspberry scents are found on the nose. This is a solid style of Cote Roite that while well made, is far from exciting. It lacks the depth, purity and complexity of the best years. It was nice, well made and there was no fault with the wine. But it is not going to ever deliver an exciting tasting experience

Jammy black fruits, pepper, plum, herbs, spice and black raspberry scents are found on the nose. This is a solid style of Cote Roite that while well made, is far from exciting. It lacks the depth, purity and complexity of the best years. It was nice, well made and there was no fault with the wine. But it is not going to ever deliver an exciting tasting experience

2,711 Views   Tasted
1996
75
The nose smelled of manure, herbs and weeds with some unripe red fruit. The palate was full of tart, cherries. The best thing I can say about this wine was the finish was short enought that I didn't have to suffer through it for more than a few seconds. This was plonk. Avoid this wine.

The nose smelled of manure, herbs and weeds with some unripe red fruit. The palate was full of tart, cherries. The best thing I can say about this wine was the finish was short enought that I didn't have to suffer through it for more than a few seconds. This was plonk. Avoid this wine.

2,795 Views   Tasted
1995
93
The nose is more interesting than the palate with its nuances of flowers, olives, herbs, pepper, and red cherries. The wine wants to feel soft on the palate, but as much as it tries, it cannot shake its firm character from the peppery red fruits on the mid-palate and finish. Drink from 2023-2030.

The nose is more interesting than the palate with its nuances of flowers, olives, herbs, pepper, and red cherries. The wine wants to feel soft on the palate, but as much as it tries, it cannot shake its firm character from the peppery red fruits on the mid-palate and finish. Drink from 2023-2030.

1,968 Views   Tasted
With its showy floral, earth, kirsch, pepper and fresh red berry nose, it took about 30 minutes before the wine softened, filled out and provided a fresh, sensual, tasting experience. There is no hurry to drink this, but it's probably at close to full maturity, so there is also no reason to wait to pop a bottle.

With its showy floral, earth, kirsch, pepper and fresh red berry nose, it took about 30 minutes before the wine softened, filled out and provided a fresh, sensual, tasting experience. There is no hurry to drink this, but it's probably at close to full maturity, so there is also no reason to wait to pop a bottle.

4,071 Views   Tasted
Floral, peach, blackberry, spice, black raspberry and spice aromatics waft from the glass. This elegant, sweet, soft, supple and exotic textured wine, ends with a sexy, spicy, earth and red fruit filled finish. This is fully mature and will probably not improve.

Floral, peach, blackberry, spice, black raspberry and spice aromatics waft from the glass. This elegant, sweet, soft, supple and exotic textured wine, ends with a sexy, spicy, earth and red fruit filled finish. This is fully mature and will probably not improve.

2,608 Views   Tasted
This wine opened with kirsch, black raspberry, spice, floral and garrigue scents. Silky in texture, this high toned, slightly acidic, bright wine ended with fresh black cherry, cranberry and rhubarb flavors.

This wine opened with kirsch, black raspberry, spice, floral and garrigue scents. Silky in texture, this high toned, slightly acidic, bright wine ended with fresh black cherry, cranberry and rhubarb flavors.

2,495 Views   Tasted
Fresh herbs, black cherry, cola and coffee notes are a delight. Toss in the silky, opulent mouth feel and you have a recipe for a sublime Cote Rotie.

Fresh herbs, black cherry, cola and coffee notes are a delight. Toss in the silky, opulent mouth feel and you have a recipe for a sublime Cote Rotie.

2,369 Views   Tasted
1995
89
Earthy, pepper, blackberry and dark cherry, with whiffs of VA make up the perfume. The full bodied wine is on the severe style side with a tart, kirsch and blackberry finish.

Earthy, pepper, blackberry and dark cherry, with whiffs of VA make up the perfume. The full bodied wine is on the severe style side with a tart, kirsch and blackberry finish.

3,033 Views   Tasted
The nose offered black fruit, pepper, cherry and cassis. Very tannic and tight. The bright toned finish had ample spicy dark red fruit. This needs time.

The nose offered black fruit, pepper, cherry and cassis. Very tannic and tight. The bright toned finish had ample spicy dark red fruit. This needs time.

3,350 Views   Tasted
1991
95
Silky, opulent layers of decadent, ripe red and black fruits with a healthy dose of plums and kirsch please the palate. The nose enjoys a unique blend or floral, spice and fruit components.

Silky, opulent layers of decadent, ripe red and black fruits with a healthy dose of plums and kirsch please the palate. The nose enjoys a unique blend or floral, spice and fruit components.

2,734 Views   Tasted
1991
94
Bacon fat, pepper, black cherry liqueur, earth, forest floor, iron, garrigue and floral scents capture your attention. Full bodied with a good concentration of flavor, frehsness, purity and intesnity of ripe fruit. This delicious Cote Rotie is drinking perfectly today.

Bacon fat, pepper, black cherry liqueur, earth, forest floor, iron, garrigue and floral scents capture your attention. Full bodied with a good concentration of flavor, frehsness, purity and intesnity of ripe fruit. This delicious Cote Rotie is drinking perfectly today.

3,954 Views   Tasted
Black fruit, anise, dark cherry and pepper aromatics. Lighter than the Guigal, less tannic and more open. Soft textures, elegant and balanced, this charming wine delivers a lot of pleasure.

Black fruit, anise, dark cherry and pepper aromatics. Lighter than the Guigal, less tannic and more open. Soft textures, elegant and balanced, this charming wine delivers a lot of pleasure.

2,011 Views   Tasted
1985
95
Spicy, black fruit, spice, truffle, wild strawberry and earth make for a beautiful perfume. This very concentrated wine was the finest Rostaing La Landonne I've ever tasted.

Spicy, black fruit, spice, truffle, wild strawberry and earth make for a beautiful perfume. This very concentrated wine was the finest Rostaing La Landonne I've ever tasted.

2,277 Views   Tasted