2018 Côte-Rôtie Côte Brune Domaine Rostaing

Marked by hints of mint and herbal tea on the nose, the 2018 Cote Rotie Cote Brune is another terrific effort from this parcel of vines that was replanted in 2000. Raspberries and blueberries surge forward on the medium to full-bodied palate, building in richness and complexity on the firm, palate-coating finish.

This is just beginning to reveal its classic rose and dried flower aromas but is tightly coiled. There's a lovely sense of density, but it's only a medium-bodied wine, despite the vintage. It has good acidity and sense of freshness and is particularly well balanced for 2018. Very long, with very fine, silky tannins and a long finish. A wine with great personality, great balance and classicism. The winemaking at Domaine Rostaing is now in the hands of René's son Pierre, and it follows the same format for all the Côte-Rôties: four weeks in tank, 18 months in oak, limited new oak, natural yeasts, and as many stems as possible 2026 - 2042 .

Intensely perfumed, spice- and mineral- tinged dark berry, floral pastille and smoky bacon scents show superb definition and take on a touch of olive paste with air. Sappy and penetrating in the mouth, offering concentrated bitter cherry, black currant, candied violet and exotic spice flavors that become sweeter as the wine opens up. The floral and mineral notes carry emphatically through the penetrating finish, which features youthfully gripping tannins and lingering smokiness.

The 2018 Côte Rôtie Côte Brune is more bloody and meaty, with a dense, powerful, concentrated style. It has a distinct iron character as well as classic Côte Rôtie spice and dried flowers. It's certainly another masculine, concentrated, age- worthy wine from this team.