One of the top Chapoutier Côte Rôties I've ever encountered, the 2019 Cote Rotie la Mordorée offers up complex notes of violets, mixed berries and delicate dried herb nuances on the nose. It's quite floral, yet there's a concentrated, full-bodied core of fruit that's neither dense nor muscular, but silky and lush. Blended from a parcel in La Côte Blonde and another in La Côte Brune, this is simply a joy to drink, with a long, tannic-yet-silky finish. It should easily age well for up to two decades.

Inky garnet color. Powerful, expansive aromas of cassis, black raspberry, exotic spices and candied licorice are complemented by a smoky mineral nuance and a hint of botanical herbs. Chewy and appealingly sweet, offering concentrated dark berry and cherry preserve, floral pastille and fruitcake flavors that show impressive energy for their heft. Finishes impressively long and minerally, with well-judged tannins and building florality.

Cask sample, tasted at the domaine. All sandalwood and smoke – lots of vibrant plummy kirsch notes on the palate and soft fresh acidity – there is lots of florality waiting to come through here. Attractive style and finishes with a clove-spice-infused kick. (AC)