Smoky reduction and wood serve as a pungent introduction to the rich and relatively full-bodied flavors that are succulent but less vibrant on the lingering if mildly chewy if not actually tough finish

It is a tour de force

(from an enormous 4

There is enough sulfur present to push the softly exotic blend of mandarin orange

spice and blood orange infuse the 2016 with incredible depth and complexity before it finishes with mind-blowing intensity

Rene Rostaing, Cote Rotie Classique Vintage:2004 Smoky reduction and wood serveA really delicious creamy peppercorn sauce nose, with smoked bacon and highly aromatic spice that grabs the attention. Round tannin, attractive smoke, meat juice, cracked pepper and black fruit, true Syrah all over. Good. (RH)