Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 30/04/2007

The plush, elegant, exotic 2004 Cote Rotie Cote Blonde, which is the only wine that has 3-4% Viognier in the blend, boasts sweet litchi nut, honeysuckle, raspberry, and smoky cherry notes with some tapenade and spice. It is medium-bodied with tangy acidity and a layered mouthfeel. Anticipated maturity: now-2014.

P.S. The least expensive wine Rostaing makes, which comes from the Coteaux du Languedoc, is the 2004 Puech Chaude. A blend of 80% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, and 10% Grenache, aged 50% in tank and 50% and barrel, it is a beauty and ideal for drinking in its first 3-4 years of life.

2004 is a classic vintage for Rostaing, who succeeded in a tough year in the Northern Rhone by performing severe crop-thinning measures during the growing season. Nevertheless, these wines are dwarfed by his freakishly rich 2003s and his beautiful 2005s, which he claims are “the best vintage I’ve made.”