Deep purple-colored, the 2017 Cote Rôtie La Mordoree (a mix from the La Cote Brune and the Cote Blonde lieux-dits) is another incredibly concentrated, yet elegant and ethereal wine from Chapoutier. Rock star levels of kirsch, black raspberries, spring flowers, smoked game, tapenade, and graphite give way to a full-bodied, rounded, straight-up sensationally textured Cote Rotie.

There’s a deep, dark-stone impression to the nose here with graphite and wet slate, as well as plums, star anise and licorice. The palate has a very plush, peppery and deeply fruited feel with such intensity and depth to the dark plums and blackberries. Slate and pepper to close. Good depth.

A blend of Cote Blonde and Cote Brune (the actual lieux-dits), the 2017 Cote Rotie la Mordoree is a top-notch example of this cuvee. The Chapoutier team now picks and vinifies the parcels separately, which has allowed them to fine-tune the picking dates. It boasts an exciting melange of berry fruit flavors, is silky and medium to full-bodied in the mouth and finishes long.