Graeme and Julie Bott 's Côte-Rôtisublimates this emblematic appellation of the Northern Rhône Valley. Produced from old Syrah vines deeply rooted in the schist and granite soils of the sloping terraces of Côte Brune, Ampuis, this cuvée is the result of passionate, meticulous handiwork at Domaine Bott. Total destemming of the harvest and twenty months' ageing in partially new barrels give this wine all the fruity exuberance of Syrah, and all the complexity of its exceptional schist terroir.
Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : This Côte-Rôtie from Graeme and Julie Bott is a unique expression of the appellation, in which the Syrah sensually reveals all the intensity and freshness of the northern Rhône Valley. Accessible in its youth, this wine will age superbly for at least ten years.
On the nose, the wine reveals superb aromatic complexity, blending the acidic roundness of red fruit jelly with the fresh, delicately piquant notes of green pepper and the airy delicacy of violet. Deep touches of cedar and bitter chocolate emerge on aeration, enhanced by a hint of camphor and menthol.
The palate perfectly reflects the aromatic power of the nose, with lovely ripe fruit notes of blackcurrant, raspberry and black cherry. Subtle hints of pepper and sage lift the wine's ample body, where silky tannins structure the whole with great balance between finesse and intensity. The finish takes on accents of graphite, revealing the mineral structure of the Côte Rôtie schist terroir.