Deep violet color. Heady, smoke- and mineral-accented, candied black and blue fruits, licorice, exotic spice and potpourri scents, along with hints of olive and cracked pepper. Sweet and deeply concentrated, offering mineral-driven cassis, cherry-cola and fruitcake flavors that are lifted and sharpened by a spine of juicy acidity. Smoothly balances power and finesse and finishes extremely long and precise, with outstanding clarity and youthful tannic grip.

The 2019 Cote Rotie La Landonne includes no Viognier. Vinified with 80% whole clusters, the free-run wine then matured in one 500-liter barrel, while the press wine went into a 225-liter barrel. It's dark and meaty, very La Landonne in profile, with concentrated notes of black olives, espresso and dark toast on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich and velvety, turning firmly tannic and dusty on the finish. Hold it at least until 2025.