The 2005 Cote Rotie Cote Blonde is pure sex, with about 3% Viognier in the blend. The wine has a dark ruby color to the rim and an extraordinary nose of exotic tropical fruits intermixed with kirsch, blackberry, licorice, and pepper. The wine is incredibly seductive aromatically, but then in the mouth, the full-bodied power and tannins of the vintage come through. It reminds me stylistically of a 1983, but better balanced. This is a beauty that will probably need several years of bottle age, and should drink well for another 15 or more years.

Deep ruby. Initially more closed than the Landonne but quickly opened to show deep, rich mulberry and kirsch aromas, with intense, exotic floral and spice accents. Really expands in the mouth, offering explosive, highly concentrated dark berry flavors. Fine, dusty tannins give shape and structure to this wine, while juicy acidity extends the finish. This is more elegant and graceful today than the Landonne, as well as richer and even longer. A standout in a great vintage.

Chez Genesis: Very heady and gentler than the Landonne. Neat and fresh and much more approachable than Landonne. Quite rich and chewy but the fruit overwhelms the structure. Chez J&B: Still relatively pale colour – blonde indeed. But haunting nose – almost burgundian in its fleshy sensuality. Lovely sweet palate entry and great appetising balance though still with a lot of oak influence on the finish. This is delicate fruit that should be left alone for quite a while. Should make a great bottle. (JR)