2013 Côte-Rôtie Côte Brune Domaine Rostaing

While the Cote Blonde gives me a touch of concern, I've no such reservations with the 2013 Cote Rotie Cote Brune, which comes from a parcel previously owned by Marius Gentez, which was replanted by Rene in 2000. Upfront, expressive and complex aromatically with sensational notes of black fruits, plums, violets, peach pit and orange blossom, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a loaded mid- palate and building tannin -- all of which suggest it will benefit from short term cellaring. This beauty will have 20-25 years of longevity.

Alluring, with flavors of dark, rich plum, currant preserves and cherry paste melded with dried bay, dark olive and smoldering charcoal notes. The long finish shows tangy cut and flecks of pepper as all the elements pull together. Best from 2017 through 2028.-J.M.