M. Chapoutier : Quatuor 2019

Complex nose of smoked bacon, leather, bitter chocolate and pepper, the fruit growing with aeration. Much more blackberry character on the palate than in the nose, and this enables it to easily carry the rather firm structure, the mineral acidity lifting the long finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Good aging potential. Drink or hold.

Deep, glistening ruby. Ripe, spice-accented dark berries and pungent flower aromas are sharpened by smoky mineral and black pepper flourishes. Juicy and broad on the palate, offering pliant blackberry, cherry and violet pastille flavors that are complicated by salty olive and cola nuances. Tighten up with air and finishes smooth, spicy and quite long, displaying fine clarity, well-knit tannins and lingering florality. 20% new oak.

Just a hair behind the 2018, the 2019 Côte Rotie Quatuor is nevertheless terrific stuff, offering a rounded, medium- to full-bodied, balanced style as well as classic notes of black raspberries, spice, peppery herbs, and flowers. It opens up with air and is going to benefit from 3–4 years of bottle age. As always, this comes from four different sites and is brought up in 25% new barrels.

A creamy attack on the palate, a luscious blueberry fruit profile, beautiful balance with round, deftly extracted tannins, and a fresh finish.

While the élevage is still slightly present, the wine responds and asserts its beautiful finesse. The balance between the four plots that make up the cuvée is remarkable, with a lovely preserved freshness.