Domaine Pichat Côte-Rôtie Löss

Full bodied, towards modern styling while still expressing Cote Rotie terroir. Lush red fruited nose. PnP palate is terribly medicinal, but few hours of air moves it nicely towards integrated conifer forest. Small red berries, volcanics, hints of oak, mocha tones through the finish. Good balance and length.

Northern Rhone Reds (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA) : From vines 30-35 yrs old grown in loess soils; Typically, 95% Syrah & 5% Viognier, aged ~ 18 mos in 1- & 2-yr old barrels; N: Slightly closed, but seems ripe; [budosyu got an attractive medicinal note]; Intensity lurking? P: Med body; Very NICE frt met by an astringent PUCKER which fairly seamlessly morphs into a LONG, balanced, tangy/swt finish to the dusty tannins. NEEDS through '20, then making its …