Domaine Rostaing Cote-Rotie "Ampodium" red 2013

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Jeb Dunnuck, déc. 2015): The 2013 Cote Rotie Ampodium, which was just bottled prior to this tasting, is gorgeous. The wine is made from 100% Syrah from two top terroirs, Cote Blonde and Landonne, and aged all in Burgundy barrels; it has terrific notes of black raspberries, blackberries, crushed violets and dried flowers in a surprisingly forward, nicely concentrated, textured style that can be enjoyed anytime over the coming decade or more.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Jeb Dunnuck, déc. 2014): Moving to the 2013s, this vintage was described as "opulent" by Rene, which I found surprising, that is, until I tasted his wines. I was blown away by the quality here, and few other estates managed to get this level or richness and texture. The 2013 Cote Rotie Ampodium has an old-school feel in its cracked pepper, leather, violets, damp earth and sweet black raspberry fruit. It's medium to full-bodied, has notable tannin, yet ample depth, richness and length. This beauty will have 10-15 years of longevity.

This was another terrific visit with Rene Rostaing, and he's hit gold in both 2012 and 2013. In fact, he may have fashioned the wines of the vintage in 2013 and I was blown away by the depth and richness these showed. There are few people doing Côte Rôtie better than this guy.