The 2018 Jean-Michel Gerin Cote Rotie les Grandes Places is a Syrah from the Northern Rhone region of France. This red wine, closed with a cork, boasts an alcohol content of 14.5% and represents the rich, structured profile typical of the Cote Rotie appellation.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rates this wine at 94 points, describing it as having "aromas of tar, blackberries, and blueberries." The publication notes that it is "medium to full-bodied, open-knit and a bit tannic," but recognizes its ripe, flavorful finish. The review suggests a range of 92-94 points, indicating some variability but underscoring its robust character.
Vinous awarded this wine an impressive 96 points, with Josh Raynolds highlighting its "inky ruby color" and "expressive kirsch, cassis, and candied violet scents." Raynolds notes the wine's "juicy and broad" palate with flavors of "black and blue fruit, mocha, licorice, and floral pastille," supported by a core of juicy acidity. This review emphasizes the wine's "youthfully chewy tannins" and its "impressively long finish" featuring lingering dark berry, olive, and spice notes.
Wine Enthusiast also rates the wine at 94 points, with Anna Lee C. Iijima pointing out the savory and smoky contrasts of "charred hazelnuts, dill, and cracked peppercorn" against a backdrop of "blueberry and cassis preserves." The tannins are described as "penetrating but soft, pillowy," giving the wine a rich and round structure. Iijima suggests waiting until 2025 to fully appreciate the wine's potential, with an optimal drinking window extending through 2040.
Wine Spectator gives this Syrah a 95-point rating, describing it as "dark, winey, and well-structured" with "graphite girders" supporting a core of "steeped plum, cherry reduction, and blackberry preserves." The review praises its drive, depth, and precision, particularly through the "violet- and alder-tinged finish." Wine Spectator recommends enjoying this wine from 2023 through 2036, noting that only 800 cases were made, with 134 cases imported.
Overall, the 2018 Jean-Michel Gerin Cote Rotie les Grandes Places stands out for its depth, complexity, and aging potential, consistently receiving high praise from multiple reputable sources.