RHÔNE VALLEY
CÔTE-RÔTIE
96 Domaine Christophe Pichon 2017 La Comtesse en Côte Blonde (Côte-Rôtie). Packed with pristine black cherry and raspberry flavor, this medium-bodied Syrah is a gloriously perfumed expression of Côte Blonde. It’s sunny and charming in fruit profile but elevated by subtle hints of fur, crushed earth and charred bramble, too. While tempting in its youth, it should gain complexity well past 2030. Wade & Clark Wine Imports. Cellar Selection. —A.I.
abv: 13% Price: $85
95 Domaine Martin Clerc 2017 Coteau de Tupin (Côte-Rôtie). Radiant notes of black raspberry and black-cherry preserves are accentuated by complexities of violet, crushed granite and clove in this pure-fruited, supple wine. Matured for 18 months en barrique (20% new), it’s a hedonistic, spicy sip but briskly structured, too, held upright by piercing acidity and firm, gripping tannins. Lovely already but should improve through 2030 and hold further. Shiverick Imports. Editors’ Choice. —A.I.
abv: 13.8% Price: $71
Pronounced notes of char and vanilla but also fur and black olive perfume this complex, intriguing Syrah. Blackberry and cherry flavors are sultry on the palate but offset by. —A.I.
