The elegant, medium to full-bodied 2016 Cote Rotie la Mordorée was aging in 30% new oak. It shows cedar and leather notes upfront, balanced by raspberry fruit, hints of espresso and black olive. Firmly tannic yet velvety in feel, it should drink well for 20 years after release. Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate #234, December 2017

The elegant, medium to full-bodied 2016 Cote Rotie la Mordorée was aging in 30% new oak. It shows cedar and leather notes upfront, balanced by raspberry fruit, hints of espresso and black olive. Firmly tannic yet velvety in feel, it should drink well for 20 years after release.

Gorgeous smoke and toast on the nose, with a charred black fruit character. The oak is very prominent, giving strong clove scent which the dense black cherry fruit just can't match at this stage. Formidable stuff! (RH)

Barrel sample. Rich and round and racy. Strong contrast to the Neve, which is lighter and more ethereal. Dry finish, but very rich at first. Quite approachable. (JR)