Vidal Fleury, Cote Rotie, Brune Et Blonde

Indrukwekkend evenwicht tussen kracht en finesse. Donkere braam en zwarte kers, viooltjes, peper en een rokerige toets van de Côte Brune, prachtig verzacht door florale elegantie van de Côte Blonde. De structuur is strak maar zijdeachtig; tannines fijn en rijp, zuren geven spanning en lift. Hout perfect geïntegreerd. Lange, minerale afdronk die blijft hangen. Fantastisch nu met lucht, maar heeft duidelijk toekomst in de kelder.

I get the Cote Rotie elements. A very fresh wine - too fresh to my tasting. Very shy on the nose. I guess - or hope - this is too young.

Too young. Classic build. Tasted over three days, and this really starts out rather austere, herbal. Quickly gains weight and on day 3 I find more round fruit, olives, black berries, yet remains a strict wine. Give it time. 91++

Few hour slow ox (tasted at the winery). Very deep magenta color. Black cherry, red currant, and leather. Smooth, tongue drying palate. Firm, full tannins on the medium long finish. This is too young still. Acid dominates and is out of balance with the tannins.

Slightly softer than 2018 hot year, great balance and structure

Elegant, fresh, silky, and floral, the wine shows off its smoke and spicy, red berry character easily on the nose and vibrant, red berry oriented palate. Drink from 2022-2034.

Chemical and perfumed bouquet. Mainly structure but a bit animale and lots of cherries. Medium tannins and acidity. Adequate finish. Probably needs time.

French road trip, mainly Rh�ne valley; 9/4/2022-9/18/2022 : From open 75cl in Guigal tasting room in Ampuis. Brune/blonde blend with 5% viognier; 24 months in 2-year-old barrels; 14% alc. Very pretty, lifted floral scent with a hint of apricot. Clean, medium-bodied entry, balanced but non-descript at this stage; tannic, closed mid-palate; persistent, smoky finish. Fine potential, perhaps best 2025-2030. 91P

Fruity and forward Syrah style, with some evident and rather harsh tannins. More southern Rhône style than C-R. Lacks the C-R elegance. A bit disjointed. And disappointing.

Elegant, silky, fresh, soft, pure, clean, smoky expression with loads of sweet red pit fruits on the nose and the palate. Forward in style, you can drink this with pleasure now, though it will be even better with a few years of age.

Old girl still had some kick! Burnt orange and raisin Old oak and barnyard Past her prime but fun to drink!

This bottle sherried at this point in it's life.