For the second time in the past four vintages, this parcel of vines—replanted in 2000—has yielded a "perfect" wine. Rostaing's 2019 Cote Rotie Cote Brune boasts crazy but harmonious complexity on the nose. From scents of violets and rose petals to red raspberries and currants and on to savory tones of black olives and mocha, there's just so much going on, yet all combine effortlessly to pull the taster inexorably into the wine. Then the swells of concentration and layers of texture cross the palate, lingering in velvety richness on the long, vibrant finish. Just. Wow. - Joe Czerwinski

Just about pure perfection, the 2019 Côte Rôtie Côte Brune boasts a dense purple hue to go with a monster bouquet of blackberry and black raspberry fruits as well as smoky bacon fat, crushed stone, truffle, and assorted floral nuances. The tannins are as good as it gets, it’s full-bodied, and it has a multidimensional mouthfeel and a great finish.

Opaque ruby color. Deeply perfumed aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, licorice, incense, exotic spices, potpourri and olive on the intensely perfumed nose. Stains the palate with sappy blackcurrant, kirsch, boysenberry, fruitcake and candied violet flavors, and steadily picks up spiciness and smoky minerality with aeration. Rich and weighty, in the style of the vintage, but energetic as well, finishing with superb clarity, youthfully gripping tannins and outstanding, blue fruit- and mineral-driven tenacity. I slightly underestimated this remarkable wine from barrel. -- Josh Raynolds

Has the deep red rose aroma that characterises this plot, peppery with a soft, velvety palate - this is gentle and welcoming. Acidity slightly lower than a typical year, alcohol a little higher, it's very rich and ripe, with good depth and a warming finish. Four weeks in tank, 18 months in oak, limited new oak, natural yeasts, and as many stems as possible.