12/01. Bought in London, May-99 for $56.
La Mordoree, the estate Cote Rotie from Chapoutier [as opposed to his regular negociant cuvee] is made from very old Syrah vines and extremely low yields of less than 25 Hl/ha. The wine is neither fined nor filtered and is aged in 100% new oak.
COLOR: Medium-dark ruby with hardly any clearing towards the rim.
NOSE: Beautiful persistent and complex aromas of fresh black and red forest fruit, flowery scents, raw meat and a touch of spice. The oak elements are gentle and never in the front. The harmonious nose is simply captivating.
TASTE: Wonderfully tasty multi-flavored juice. Lightish bodied on the palate but multi-dimensional in flavors. From fresh fruit to sweet spices, the wine exhibits elegance and surprising delicacy. Excellent acidity and very soft tannins add to the balance of this exquisite and delicious wine.
LENGTH: Very long and rich aftertaste that lingers.
TEXTURE & BALANCE: Medium-light bodied wine that does not lack in structure. Wonderful focused fruit, very good winyness. This may not be the most robust Cote Rotie I have tasted, but it is a perfectly balanced, gorgeous, stylish and extremely tasty wine with all elements in place.
OVERALL: Superb. A real treat that is completely ready now but will further evolve for many years to come.

MARK: 18.5/20.

BUY MORE? Yes.

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Jacob "Yak" Shaya.