2018 J M Gerin Cote Rotie Vialliere

The 2018 Cote Rotie la Viailliere I sampled was a blend taken from several barrels at the time of my visit. It`s medium to full-bodied, creamy and lush, with black olive flavors that finish long and velvety. It has outstanding potential. 92-94 points

Primary, mineral-drenched dark fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of incense, vanilla, candied flowers and exotic spices, along with subtle cracked pepper and cola nuances. Deeply concentrated blueberry, bitter cherry and violet pastille flavors stain the palate and slowly turn sweeter as the wine opens up. Shows outstanding energy and solid dark fruit thrust on an extremely long, focused finish that features mounting tannins and repeating mineral and floral character. Raised in demi-muids, two-thirds of them new. 95-96 points