Wine Reviews

Crafted entirely from Syrah planted on mica-schist soils, the 2022 Cote Rotie Les Pierrelles (Domaine) offers a floral, elegant bouquet of violets, spices, dark wild berries and lilac mingled with a slightly green touch. Medium to full-bodied, juicy and round for a Syrah, it’s supple, with a delicate, short finish. Macerated for 20 days and destemmed, it was matured for 12 months in foudres and large barrels. This is a well-crafted and easygoing Côte-Rôtie.

The 2023 Côte-Rôtie Les Pierrelles makes its first impression with intense orange rind, crushed violets and dark cherry aromatics. Graphite dust adds more nuance. Medium-bodied and gently textured, the 2023 is a carefully shaped Les Pierrelles, letting the palate unwind with persistence on the ferrous finale.

Deep plum-hued, the 2023 Côte Rôtie Les Pierrelles offers a gorgeous perfume of spicy red and black fruits, spring flowers, violets, and meaty, spicy nuances. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels and demi-muids, 20% new, it’s medium to full-bodied, with a round, layered mouthfeel, brilliant tannins, and outstanding length. This is a beautiful, layered Côte-Rôtie with tons to love. While already approachable, it deserves 4–5 years of bottle age and will cruise for over two decades. Drink 2029-2046.