Domaine Francois Merlin Côte-Rôtie 2021

This Côte-Rôtie is cultivated on two vertiginous hillsides. The narrow Roman terraces have been “roasting” grapes since ancient times. The microclimate of Ampuis - with a happy combination of the southern sun and fresh humidity from Burgundy - makes it possible to produce an exceptional wine. Merlin dreamed of this small, atypical plot of Côte Brune for a long time before succeeding in adding it to the estate. Their Côte-Rôtie is a sensual wine that unfolds its delicate aromas in stages for a long, spectacular finish.

96/100 - Introverted on the nose, then very powerful and concentrated on the palate. The muscular, rounded tannins are a Brune-side calling card, which are further buttressed by plentiful firm, dry oak tannins. It’s long and powerful but fresh, with enough piercing acidity to propel this long into the future. A mineral edge brings further freshness and texture. Grown on lieu-dit Montlys, aged for 18 months in four- to nine-year-old barriques and demi-muids. 4,000 bottles produced. - Matt Walls, Decanter

18/20 - Nose of candied fruits, silky on the palate, very fine tannic hints which twist the palate, aromas of blackberries, red fruits, deep, good concentration, interesting incisive note and subtle hints of black and pink pepper. Everything is liveliness, freshness, elegance, balance, the whole thing is very pretty. - Alistair Cooper MW, JancisRobinson.com