Jean-Michel Gérin : Les Grandes Places 2022

Attractively smoky and earthy, offering bay leaf, singed herbs and smoldering tobacco layered atop black cherry paste and cassis reduction. Mouthcoating and salty on the palate, with a sanguine thread running from start to full-bodied finish. Texturally stunning, with chewiness and sweet, warm soil adding intrigue to the substantial finish, which goes on and on. Tannins are already assuming a gentle edge, which makes this approachable now, but patience will be rewarded. Drink now through 2042. 580 cases made, 25 cases imported.

The 2022 Côte-Rôtie Les Grandes Places shares similar rustic characteristics with the La Landonne from the same vintage, pointing to the presence of Brettanomyces. Time in the glass also brings out red plum, black cherry and fleshy essences. Touching the medium- to full-bodied palate with significant flavor concentration, the 2022 winds down with a savory close.