Graeme and Julie Bott 's Côte-Rôtie Lieu-dit Côte-Bodin is a magnificent expression of the prestigious Côte Brune terroir. In Côte Rôtie, the iconic appellation of the northern Rhône Valley, Syrah reigns supreme on steep slopes combining schist and granite. Here, the work in the vineyard is necessarily manual. The forty-year-old vines of Domaine Bott benefit from an ideal location for ripening the grapes, which reach exceptional concentration thanks to variations in daytime and night-time temperatures. The de-stemmed grapes are fermented using the indigenous yeasts present on the berries, and the wine is aged for around 20 months in French oak barrels before carefully controlled bottling, at the end of which it will rest for a further year at the wine estate.
Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : Graeme and Julie Bott 's Côte-Rôtie Lieu-dit Côte-Bodin is a particularly rare cuvée, a must-have for any fan of the appellation and Domaine Bott. Accessible in its youth, this cuvée with its powerful aromas and natural acidity is designed for ageing, and will gain in depth and expression after a few years in the cellar. The most patient will find in this Côte Rôtie a true monument of the Northern Rhône.
On the nose, the wine reveals a concentrated palette of ripe black fruit and fresh violet aromas. The right amount of ageing is reflected in a subtle touch of wood, harmoniously complementing the spicy, peppery character of the Syrah.
On the palate, the attack immediately reveals a powerful structure, balanced by silky, mellow tannins. Round aromas of small black cherries and wild blueberries meet the elegance of a finish with spicy notes of sandalwood and black pepper, in a lingering harmony that invites the next sip.