The nose shows more intensity and a more dark-fruited profile than their Blonde du Seigneur, with some dark plum and blackberry along with the raspberry fruit. Still beautifully fragrant however. Medium-bodied, ripe but subtle and elegant, with good acidity and a mineral seam. Tannins are present, very fine, textured like fine sand. Very good now, but will be better from 2027. Lieu-dit Maison Rouge, from the Blonde side (gneiss and granite bedrock). Partly destemmed, 24 months in barriques, 30% new. Drinking Window 2021 - 2033
Tasted by Matt Walls (at Home office, 01 Sep 2021)
Part of Walls: Brune and blonde soils in Côte-Rôtie - do they really make all the difference?

Opaque ruby. Assertively perfumed black and blue fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of candied flowers, olive and exotic spices. In a concentrated, densely packed style, showing fine definition and spicy cut to its bitter cherry, cassis, fruitcake and violet pastille flavors. Conveys a suave blend of power and energy, finishing taut, spicy and impressively long, with youthfully gripping tannins and resonating florality. One-third whole clusters and 20% new oak. JR

100% Syrah - dark red; the bouquet has depth, ripeness, is well furnished with blackberry fruits, hints of dark tea, graphite, even with the sunshine hours, and a meat stock, more savoury aspect. The palate springs out well, gives an immediate, tasty burst of red fruits, their feel concentrated. The length is prolonged, sure, a squeezy close reflecting the sun. This is more dense than the 2017, is shaped by the vintage, certainly for now. Decant it and drink it from 2027. Tasted in June 2021.