The 2020 Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie la Landonne is a Syrah wine from the Northern Rhone region of France, specifically the Cote Rotie appellation. Produced by Rene Rostaing, this wine is bottled in the standard 750ml size and sealed with a cork. With an alcohol content of 14.0%, this red wine has garnered significant acclaim from professional reviewers.
Decanter awarded this wine a score of 96, noting its "classically dark, brooding fruits" and describing it as having "length and depth, with good balance even though the acidity is quite low." The review emphasized its "intense and muscular tannins," making it a wine for long-term aging. Decanter also highlighted the winemaking process, which includes four weeks in tank and 18 months in oak, with limited new oak and natural yeasts.
Jeb Dunnuck gave an exceptional score of 98, describing the wine as "almost pure perfection." Dunnuck praised its "utterly classic La Landonne aromatics of smoked black fruits, cassis, scorched earth, cured meats, and ground pepper," which transition seamlessly to the palate. He described it as "full-bodied, dense, and powerful," with "building tannins and an incredibly layered mouthfeel." Dunnuck concluded by noting that this wine is not for those seeking instant gratification but is a "seriously good Côte Rôtie."
Vinous also provided a high score of 97, describing the wine's appearance as "opaque ruby" and its aroma profile as "intensely perfumed, mineral-accented black and blue fruit, floral, botanical herb, and exotic spice aromas." The palate was noted for its "serious depth" and "unlikely energy," offering "palate-staining kirsch, cassis, bitter chocolate, olive paste, and violet pastille flavors." Vinous praised the "youthfully gripping tannins" that add structure to the "smoky, mineral- and spice-driven finish."
Lastly, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the wine a score range of 94-96, describing it as "reasonably floral and red-fruited at the moment." The review noted that while it may not possess the richness and power of the very best vintages, it is still a "terrific wine." The tasting highlighted characteristics such as "violets and raspberries," along with "dark notes of roasted meat, black olives, and espresso." The wine was also praised for its "ample tannins and a long, silky-textured finish."
Overall, the 2020 Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie la Landonne is a highly regarded Syrah with deep, complex flavors and strong aging potential, making it a noteworthy choice for serious wine enthusiasts.