Georges Vernay Cote-Rotie Maison Rouge 2013
-
Suckling
James -
Spectator
Wine
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
A wealth of woody spices, dried roses and quite savory syrah spices on the nose here ahead of poached raspberries and mulberries, in addition to hints of yellow plums. The palate's smooth and supple, delivering elegant fine tannins amid plenty of dark-plum, liquorice and blackberry flavors. Some handy definition to this really seductive Côte-Rotie. Drink now and for 6+ years.
-
Wine Spectator
Dark plum, raspberry and blackberry coulis flavors are enlivened by white pepper and sanguine notes that thread through the finish. Black tea and anise details form the backdrop. Shows good range and definition throughout. Best from 2017 through 2026. 625 cases made.
Other Vintages
2018-
Parker
Robert
-
Dunnuck
Jeb - Vinous
-
Spectator
Wine
-
Spectator
Wine -
Dunnuck
Jeb -
Suckling
James
-
Dunnuck
Jeb
-
Spectator
Wine
-
Parker
Robert -
Spectator
Wine
-
Parker
Robert
-
Spectator
Wine
A pioneer in the renewal of the Condrieu appellation, Domaine Georges Vernay has always made wines of unique style, notable for their finesse, elegance and harmony. The property has become a major emblem of Rhone Valley winegrowing, from the time when Georges Vernay saved the Condrieu appellation to the international awards earned by Christine Vernay’s Côte-Rôtie. Three generations have left the mark of the philosophy on the estate, while perpetuating its traditions in the greatest respect for both vines and winegrowers.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
The cultivation of vines here began with Greek settlers who arrived in 600 BC. Its proximity to Vienne was important then and also when that city became a Roman settlement but its situation, far from the negociants of Tain, led to its decline in more modern history. However the 1990s brought with it a revival fueled by one producer, Marcel Guigal, who believed in the zone’s potential. He, along with the critic, Robert Parker, are said to be responsible for the zone’s later 20th century renaissance.
Where the Rhone River turns, there is a build up of schist rock and a remarkable angle that produces slopes to maximize the rays of the sun. Cote Rotie remains one of the steepest in viticultural France. Its varied slopes have two designations. Some are dedicated as Côte Blonde and others as Côte Brune. Syrahs coming from Côte Blonde are lighter, more floral, and ready for earlier consumption—they can also include up to 20% of the highly scented Viognier. Those from Côte Brune are more sturdy, age-worthy and are typically nearly 100% Syrah. Either way, a Cote Rotie is going to have a particularly haunting and savory perfume, expressing a more feminine side of the northern Rhone.