Brilliant violet. A heady, expansive bouquet evokes black raspberry and mulberry preserves, incense, potpourri and smoky minerals. Concentrated, palate-staining red and dark berry liqueur flavors are energized by vibrant mineral and spice qualities that gain strength with air. Delivers a striking combination of power and finesse, with no rough edges. Closes on a subtle tannic note, with outstanding focus and mineral cut, leaving a juicy red berry note behind.

Both 2014s showed well. The 2014 Côte Rôtie is elegant, medium-bodied, seamless and already thoroughly enjoyable, with lots of raspberry and blackberry fruit, bouquet garni, pepper, and violet aromas and flavors. It will be interesting to see if this wine closes down with a year or two in bottle, but I suspect it will drink nicely for 15 years or so.

Slightly rubbery and reductive on the nose, the 2014 is hard to get into at the moment. With air, there is a strong white- and black-pepper note together with ripe red fruit. Young and chalky on the palate, there are good bones here for those willing to wait. It should be silky, cool and refined in a few years ’ time. (TP)