2019 François & Fils Côte Rôtie - Northern Rhône, FRANCE. 750ml
Dark red, attractive sheen on it. The bouquet has a sensual aroma of mixed berries, very neat sweetness, with a soft floral tone. It gives a little mineral within, is a true, calm version of Rôtie. The palate is scented and rolling, carries some of the vintage’s thickness of content, the sunny density, but reaches out well, the tannins outwardly supple and inviting. This is bingo genuine Côte-Rôtie, takes a traditional route, is tender, with tannins that have a firm interior, bringing a compact foundation to the late moments. It’s going to fuse further, deserves serving in a large glass, will be great with a dish of lamb. The Viognier shows via a musky note towards the finish. 14°. From 2023-24, decant it. 2040-42 Sept 2021
97% 1970s, 1988 Syrah, 3-5% Viognier, from Bourrier (1988-89, some 2010), Fongeant, Janet, with press wine from Rozier, included Les Rochains until 2017, 60-70% destemmed (increased stems use since mid-2010s), 3 week steel vat vinification at up to around 30°C, pumping overs, can do cap punching (reduced since mid-2010s), aged 10% (down from 25-30%) new, 90% 1-5 year 400 & some 228-litre oak casks 18 months, unfined, filtered, 2 bottlings, 4,700 b, rose in 2012 to 7,500 b
John Livingstone-Learmonth, DRINK RHONE
