Chapoutier is one of the oldest wine producers in the Rhone Valley with a history dating back to 1808. A distant ancestor, Polydor Chapoutier, was the first to buy vines here, shifting from being a simple grape grower to making and trading his own wine. For the last two hundred years, the estate has been producing some of the greatest wines in the Rhone Valley. Today, the range also includes wines from some Roussillon appellations as well as projects in Portugal and Australia.

Under Michel Chapoutier’s leadership, quality improved and Chapoutier gained international recognition. The massive negociant and winery produces single-vineyard expressions and classic wines from a range of appellations in the north and south of the valley.

They have adopted biodynamic farming techniques and have included Braille markings on their labels since 1996. This was done from a desire to reach out to and include lovers of good wines with sight-impairments, and as a tribute to Maurice Monier of La Sizeranne, a member of the family that previously owned the vines of the same name and who invented the first abbreviated version of Braille.

Chapoutier La Mordoree is made from Syrah vines of more than 60 years in age, from vineyard plots located on the border of the “Cote Blonde”. The grapes are hand-harvested at maturity, entirely de-stemmed and vinified in concrete tank. The wine is aged in oak casks, some new, for 14 to 18 months.

The wine has a deep red color. It has aromas of raspberry, a hint of violet, predominant of spices, a touch of black olive and “tapenade”, and rosemary. It has an ample and elegant taste, very well-structured and balanced. Depending on the vintage, the wine can be kept from 30 to 60 years or from 50 to 75 years.

The 2016 Chapoutier Cote Rotie la Mordoree is a magnificent red wine that embodies the essence of the Rhone region in France. With its rich history and exceptional winemaking techniques, Chapoutier has created a wine that truly showcases the potential of the Northern Rhone.

In the glass, this wine displays a deep, garnet color that hints at its intensity and complexity. The nose is immediately captivated by enticing aromas of blackberries, crushed violets, and mulberries. Subtle notes of sweet tobacco, licorice root, and tapenade add depth and sophistication to the bouquet.

On the palate, the 2016 Cote Rotie la Mordoree reveals its true character. It is full-bodied and ripe, with herb-tinged red fruit notes that exhibit mammoth complexity. The wine's structure is impeccably balanced, with a fine, silky texture that glides effortlessly across the palate. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a lasting impression.

Renowned wine critic Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine an impressive score of 95. Parker's tasting note describes the wine as having a bit of cedary oak up front, which adds another layer of complexity. Jeb Dunnuck, another esteemed critic, gave it a score of 96+, praising its tight concentration and good acidity. Wine Spectator also awarded it a score of 96, highlighting its steeped plum, mulberry, and blackberry fruit flavors. James Suckling, in his review, describes it as a moody and dark-fruited style with a wealth of richness.

This exceptional wine is made from 100% Syrah grapes, sourced from old vines in the lieux-dits of Côte Brune and Côte Blonde. The wine is aged for 18 months in 30% new barriques, contributing to its depth and complexity.

The 2016 Chapoutier Cote Rotie la Mordoree is a wine that can be enjoyed now, but also has the potential to age gracefully for 20-25 years. It is a true masterpiece from the Rhone region, showcasing the skill and dedication of the Chapoutier winery. This wine is a must-try for any wine enthusiast seeking a truly exceptional and memorable experience.