This comprehensive tasting note of the 2023 Côte-Rôtie encapsulates impressions from six samples - some from individual lieux-dits, others combining parcels. Le Truchet, sourced from relatively young vines of 14 years, delivers outstanding purity, unfolding with touches of graphite, black cherry and white pepper. Next up is a combination of Côte Bodin, Leyat and Côte Blonde, which adds red plum, stemmy subtleties and a flicker of grapefruit. Gerine then dazzles with fresh acidity, rose petal and spicy undertones. After Gerine, Fongeant represents the second-largest proportion of the entire blend. Slightly less forward than Gerine, Fongeant is savory, with spicy essences, red plum and blackberry, all wrapped in a generous mouthfeel. Tartaras and Bonnivières enrich the picture with fragrant rosewater, cardamom spice and more peppery subtleties. Although aged in a new oak demi-muid , the wood tannins are meticulously integrated into this sample’s structure. Finally, a blend of Le Plomb and Collet completes the picture with licorice, graphite and a touch of black plum. Framed by gentle tannins, these magnificent samples hint at yet another textbook Côte-Rôtie from Jean-Paul, Corinne and Loïc Jamet.

Cask samples that will make up the eventual blend. Sample 1: Cumilles and Lesardes. Timid nose but attractive fruit on the palate. Some firmness and length but generally fine in style. Sample 2: Rochins, Leyat and Gerine . Explosive fruit with more density and weight. Juicy. Bigger structure. Sample 3: Côte Baudin, Leyat. Sweeter (oak?) but, overall, there’s an elegant touch. Drying finish (oak again – three-year-old barrels). Sample 4: Bonnivières, Tartaras . Slightly herbal, the acidity more affirmed. Structured. Sample 5: Gerine. Most important parcel at the domaine, so key to the blend. Intensely floral with violet and potpourri notes. Palate round, with fine, well-integrated tannins. Sample 6: Fongeant . Second-most important parcel, so another key element in the blend. Fresh and vibrant, with good persistence. Violet notes to the fore. Very fine tannins. (JL)