Notes of char, iron and tobacco leaf accent penetrating black-cherry and cassis flavors in this muscular expression of Côte Rôtie. Produced from 100% whole-cluster Syrah and matured twelve months in 30% new French oak, it’s a weighty, intensely structured red framed by firm, gripping tannins and a delicately earthen, meaty finish. While nervous in youth it should hit peak from 2023 and improve another decade still.

One of the gems in the Northern Rhône lineup is the 2018 Côte Rôtie, which, as with all of Louis’ wines, wasn’t destemmed and was brought up in 30-40% new oak. Stunning aromatics of black raspberries, olive tapenade, ground pepper, violets, and assorted meat notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied, opulent, seamless Côte Rôtie that has a smoking good texture. Count me impressed.

Alluring, with dark plum and cherry fruit that has been gently steeped, allowing it to meld with a range of violet, bay, anise and dark olive notes. Nice racy iron edge through the finish. Best from 2022 through 2032.