Côte-Rôtie ‘La Mordorée’ Chapoutier, Northern Rhone, France, 2016   

3 ha vineyard. Hand-picked 100% organic Syrah produced using biodynamic principles. Crop is entirely destemmed. Only free-run juice is vinified in concrete tank. Aged in 225l oak barrels for 14-18 months.

This is a very steep, terraced vineyard located on the border of the “Côte Blonde”. The soil is composed of chlorite and ferruginous mica-schists in loess depressions and earth veins. This is made from 100% Syrah (no blend with viognier). The 70 years old vines produce tiny yields. This is an ample, elegant, very well-structured wine. The aromas develop into earthy and smoky notes typical of a great Côte-Rôtie. 

"A blend of old vines in the lieux-dits of Côte Brune and Côte Blonde, the 2016 Cote Rotie la Mordorée shows a bit of cedary oak up front (it spent 18 months in 30% new barriques). It's full-bodied and ripe on the palate, with herb-tinged red fruit notes that show mammoth complexity and a fine, silky, long finish" Joe Czerwinski Wine Advocate - 95/100   

Drink with small game such as pheasant or duck, tender red meat dishes in a red wine sauce, or soft cheeses.