Domaine Rostaing, Cote Rotie, Cote Blonde 2020

Saturated ruby. Potent, finely detailed aromas of red and dark fruit liqueur, smoked meat, potpourri and exotic spices, along with a vibrant mineral top note. Sappy, alluringly sweet and penetrating, offering intense cherry, boysenberry, allspice and star anise flavors and a potent suggestion of candied lavender. Silky, finely wrought tannins build steadily through an exceptionally long, penetrating finish that echoes the floral and mineral notes.

My favorite of the 2020s from Rostaing—at least until I try the wines again next year—is the 2020 Cote Rotie la Cote Blonde. Scents of crushed stone and red raspberries give the impression of seamless transmission of terroir allied to incredible fruit purity. Full-bodied, rich and velvety, it's an amazing expression of Cote Rotie that should age effortlessly for a couple of decades.

Moving to the single parcel releases, the 2020 Côte Rôtie Côte Blonde is about as pretty and seamless as they come, with gorgeous black raspberry fruit as well as spice, loamy earth, and subtle minerality on both the nose and palate. It’s concentrated and structured yet shines for its purity and finesse.