Clos de la Bonnette Cote Rotie Damas Pourpre 2019

A new Cote Rotie from Clos de la Bonnette in 2019, sourced from a small parcel planted in the 1990’s close to their other Cote Rotie Prenelle.

“100% Syrah (1990s) from 0.4 hectare on gneiss soils on Coteau de Tupin next to Prenelle but lower down the hill. 67% destemmed, 3 week vinification, wild yeasts, daily pumping overs, cap punching, aged used 228-litre % 300-litre oak casks 22 months, unfined, 33% filtered. – Updated specifications by John Livingstone-Learmonth – drinkrhone

“Dark red, purple tints; fruit density on the nose, raspberry, has a sunswept style across the glass, hints of graphite. The palate flows attractively and widely, holds bright red fruits, is good and consistent throughout, ends with layering and rounded tannins, the oak largely inside. There is blood-iron on the second half. This has promise” “The harvest was very belle,” Isabelle Guiller – 4 stars – John Livingstone-Learmonth – drinkrhone

“There are wines that simply grab you by the scruff of the neck and demand your attention and this is one of them. This isn’t shouty, no no, this is much more subtle, insinuating and aromatically captivating. Grated ginger, ground pepper, raspberry and damson start the ball rolling on the fine fragrant nose, with undertones of forest floor and delicate spice. In the mouth the wine saturates the palate with beautifully fresh red fruits, ground spice, dark chocolate, herbs, underbrush and sappy damson. The tannic build is fine and gives grip, never heavy and supported by a lithe fresh acidity. You could drink this pretty much immediately, but with a bit of cellaring it’s bound to get even better” – Lea & Sanderman – UK