2015 Côte-Rôtie La Landonne Domaine Rostaing Magnum

The 2015 Côte Rôtie La Landonne is more tannic and structured, with the smoky, meaty, mineral-laced bouquet I always find in this terroir. Black, black fruits, full body, a layered, rich, opulent texture, and building tannin make for one seriously impressive Côte Rôtie that needs to be forgotten for 5- 7 years. It will last for 2-3 decades.

Am I being stingy in only awarding Rostaing's 2015 Cote Rotie la Landonne 99+ points? This is a tremendous wine, showing immense richness and power without any apparent weight. Raspberries flood the palate in waves, accented by various spices in a wine that's intensely tannic yet never hard or astringent. Breathtaking stuff.

Inky ruby. Deep- pitched, smoke- and spice-accented aromas of black currant and cherry compote, violet and incense take on a hint of exotic spices with air. Lush and expansive on the palate, offering concentrated black and blue fruit liqueur, licorice and spicecake flavors that are sharpened by a smoky mineral element. Becomes sweeter and livelier with air and finishes extremely long, featuring rounded tannins and lingering spiciness. Drink: 2023-2031.

A broad and deep wine, filled with dark fig, blackberry and boysenberry compote flavors that are layered with graphite, warm ganache and smoldering tobacco. A warm cast-iron note echoes resoundingly through the finish, which is laden with serious grip. Best from 2023 through 2040. 800 cases made.-J.M.