2020 "La Mouline" Côte Rôtie

Such a concentrated, focused yet bright La Mouline for the vintage. The nose reveals aromas of blackberries, dark plums, violets, undergrowth and black pepper. It's full-bodied with very fine tannins. It's ample, dense and yet so refined. The power is all under control, with the velvety, voluptuous core of dark cherries and berries mingling through the spices in harmony. The refined tannins guide the mid-palate onto a textural, long finish. Try after 2026. (04/2024)

Leading off the single vineyards from barrel, the 2020 Côte Rôtie La Mouline, which includes a solid dose of Viognier, comes from a steep, terraced parcel in the Côte Blonde lieu-dit and will spend four years in new French oak. I don't think it has the sheer density of the 2015 or 2019, but what it does have is an incredibly classic La Mouline profile of floral, perfumed red and black fruits, spicy oak, roasted meats, and exotic spice that's to die for. With full-bodied richness, a plush, layered, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, and seamless, integrated tannins, it's going to shine with just a few years of bottle age yet evolve for 15-30 years in cold cellars. (03/2024)