The 2012 Jean-Michel Gerin Cote Rotie Les Grandes Places is a Syrah varietal hailing from the esteemed Northern Rhone region of France, specifically the Cote Rotie appellation. This red wine, sealed with a traditional cork, features an alcohol content of 13.0%.

The color of this Syrah is a deep violet, immediately hinting at its intensity and depth. Professional reviewers have consistently praised its complexity and aging potential. Josh Raynolds from Vinous, who awarded the wine a score of 92, describes it as having "deeply pitched black and blue fruit aromas" complemented by "peppery spices and fresh flowers." Raynolds notes the wine's "concentrated cassis and blueberry flavors" and highlights its "penetrating, long finish" with "suave floral pastille and berry liqueur qualities." He suggests that the wine is approachable now but also capable of rewarding patience over a decade.

Wine & Spirits gave the 2012 Les Grandes Places a score of 93, emphasizing its powerful oak influence due to 20 months of vinification in 100 percent new oak. According to their review, the wine has “red and firm” fruit, enhanced by black pepper spice and a combination of “the smoke of oak” and the “softness of brown sugar.” They recommend aging this wine, advising against opening it for another decade to allow its components to harmonize fully.

Wine Spectator provided the highest score among the reviewers, rating it a 94. Their review highlights the wine's "dark and winey" character with a "grippy, brambly frame" and a core packed with "raspberry, black currant and boysenberry fruit." Additional notes of "anise, bay, and black tea" are evident, contributing to its complexity. The finish is described as "ironclad," suggesting the wine is still maturing and will benefit from further aging, with a recommended drinking window from 2017 through 2025.

In summary, the 2012 Jean-Michel Gerin Cote Rotie Les Grandes Places is a robust, complex Syrah with significant aging potential. Its layered flavors and aromas, combined with strong but well-integrated tannins, make it a noteworthy wine for enthusiasts and collectors.