RHÔNE VALLEY
CÔTE-RÔTIE
95 Domaine Jean-Michel Gerin 2018 La Landonne (Côte-Rôtie). The flagship wine of this producer, this velveteen Syrah matured 18 months in 100% new French oak. Crème de cassis and blueberry compote on the palate are shaded by streaks of allspice, smoke and licorice candy. Opulent and silky in profile, the wine shows well already but will meld and gain subtlety through 2035 at least. Taub Family Selections. —A.I.
abv: 14.5% Price: $400
94 Dauvergne & Ranvier 2018 Grand Vin (Côte-Rôtie). For full review see page 119. Editors’ Choice.
abv: 14% Price: $85
94 Domaine Jean-Michel Gerin 2018 Côte-Bodin (Côte-Rôtie). A new cuvée from Jean-Michel Gerin released in 2020, the Côte-Bodin represents a concentrated, mineral expression of schist from 30-year old Syrah vines. Ripe in black-plum and berry flavors and soft in tannin, it’s a rounded, supple red cut by cassis acidity and undertones of smoke and vanilla. Appealing in youth the wine will improve through 2035 at least. Taub Family Selections. Editors’ Choice. —A.I.
abv: 14.5% Price: $250
Richly extracted black-plum and preserved-cherry flavors drench the palate in this plushSyrah.
