2018 Tardieu-Laurent, Cote Rotie, Vieilles Vignes

Laced with floral and spicy-savory notes, the 2018 Cote Rotie Vieilles Vignes delivers a solid base of elegant mixed-berry flavors. It's medium to full-bodied and velvety on the palate where it adds hints of mocha and olive, layers of ripe tannins and a lengthy, gently tannic finish. Despite the structure, it's approachable now and should drink well for at least a decade.

100% Sérine (more than 60 years old). 100% whole bunches. Landonne, Lancement, Chavaroche. 12 months in new and one-year-old oak plus 12 months in foudre (Allier, Tronçais). Cask sample. Dark blackish crimson. Light lively liquorice on the nose and very juicy and round on the palate with the freshness of whole bunches. Maybe this freshness is just slightly exaggerated? Just a tad austere on the end. (JR)