Seeking Cote-Rotie in Oz

Aug 07, 2003 8 Replies
M

I recently consumed a sensational McLaren Vale drop, D'Arenberg's Laughing Magpie, 2002. I believe it is similar in blend (Shiraz-Viognier) to the famed Cote Roties. Drinking beautifully already, I sense this drop will also age particulatly well. Now that I have sampled a brilliant Aussie example of this blend, am keen to try a few french versions, but alas, with a myriad of French wines available here, I have no clue which to choose. Any suggestions?



Is Shiraz/ Merlot as a blend similarly 'typical' in any French regions? Again, I would like to try some French or Italian versions of this blend.



TIA



Regards Swooper


Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
M

Matt, My favorite Cote-Rotie producers are Ogier and Gaillard, but there are several other very high quality producers, such as Gilles Barge, Rene Rostaing, Robert Jasmin and Burgaud. Guigal is the most famous producer in the region, but only his Cotes Blonde et Brune blend is truly affordable, and I find it of dubious value vis-a-vis the others I've named. The currently available vintage of 1999 is a stunner, but

1994-1998 were also high quality. Only the 1994s have probably reached maturity yet. Parker says that 2000 and 2001 are also good years, but I haven't tasted any yet.

None of the traditional blends include that particular combination, but you can probably find some examples of it in the Languedoc. However, those wines may be of more recent creation than the Aussie versions you're comparing them to.

Mark Lipton

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
C

The Rostaing Landonne is fantastic. Burgaud 2000 is also great

One producer I love is JP Jamet, ( for some reason I think they are two JP brothers but I am not sure)

..Chris

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
M

I was expecting you to, Mike. I would've mentioned them myself, but since I've never found their wines in the US to try, it would be a bit dishonest of me to offer up a recommendation.

Mark Lipton

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
M

D'Oh! Right you are, Chris. I just forgot to add Jamet to my "A" list. Good call!

Mark Lipton

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
C

I like Jamet because its the only wine I can call blind time after time :) that taste .. that smell ... !

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required