Domaine Pichat, Les Grandes Places, Cote Rotie

Opened and decanted 2.5 hours before serving. Ruby red in the glass with a darker, inky core, still lively in appearance. The nose showed promise on opening, though somewhat muted, and the palate initially came across grippy and firmly tannic. With air, the wine rounded out beautifully. A complex and enticing aromatic profile emerged: dark chocolate, chestnut, pine, anise and leather. Old school in feel, savory and layered, continuing to evolve in the glass over the course of the evening. …

Pink-orangey rim, slightly cloudy ruby center. Black fruits, wet saddle, olives, red meat, and Chinese herbal medicine. High acidity, med-full bodied and medium tannin. Good layers, thick texture and quite savory. Long finish. Breathed for 90 minutes in bottle but did not decant. Wine in prime now.