Louis Barruol Cote Rotie Les Roses 2021

The magic of great Côte Rôtie does not come from its reputation for being a big, bombastic wine. In fact, what you’re looking for is a balance of the wild, meaty, earthy characteristics, with the graceful aromas of—like the name of this particular wine—roses. Do not be fooled. Syrah with restraint gives the most depth, complexity, and aging potential. The Les Roses is a blend of two lieux-dits: Fongeant and Champin.

• 30-50-year-old vines planted in steep schiste rock terraces
• Maceration lasts 2 or 3 weeks
• Fermentation takes place in cement tank
• Wines are aged on average for 15 months in barrel
• No new barrels - barrels are 1 or 2 years old
• Grapes are not de-stemmed

No scores for the 2021 yet, but we have past ratings here for comparison:

94 Wine Spectator (2017)
Alluring, with smoldering black tea and singed bay leaf notes leading off, followed by a core of lush blackberry and black currant compote flavors. Nicely grounded, showing a graphite spine through the finish. Built for cellaring. Best from 2022 through 2036. 75 cases imported.

93 pts Vinous (2017)
Lurid violet. Mineral-accented black currant and blueberry on the deeply perfumed nose, complicated by exotic spice and floral notes. Densely packed but energetic dark fruit liqueur flavors show candied violet and smoky olive accents and pick up a spicecake quality with air. Coats the palate and shows impressive concentration, with no excess fat. Finishes very long and smooth, with bright mineral cut, sneaky tannins and lingering florality.