The 2021 Georges Vernay Cote Rotie Maison Rouge is a Syrah hailing from the esteemed Cote Rotie appellation in the Northern Rhone region of France. This red wine is crafted by producer Georges Vernay, known for their meticulous attention to detail and quality.
James Suckling, a respected voice in the wine industry, awarded this vintage a high score of 97 points, indicating its outstanding quality. In his review on jamessuckling.com, dated June 17, 2024, Suckling lauds the wine for its "pristine, elegant and almost untouched" character. He highlights its purity and precision, starting with a nose that "reveals notes of forest berries, wild herbs, cured meat and warm spices."
This Syrah is medium-bodied, featuring silky tannins and bright acidity, which contribute to its balanced structure. The palate is graced with flavors of wild strawberries and violets, offering a complex and harmonious tasting experience. Suckling emphasizes the wine's origins, noting that it is made "100% from old vines planted before 1950," which imparts a dark cherry essence and a purity of fruit that is both elegant and fresh.
The 2021 Georges Vernay Cote Rotie Maison Rouge has a minerally profile, driven and focused, leading to a long and lively finish. Suckling suggests that it can be enjoyed now or held for future enjoyment, reflecting its potential for aging.
In summary, the 2021 Georges Vernay Cote Rotie Maison Rouge is a notable representation of the Northern Rhone’s Syrah, blending historical vineyard practices with modern winemaking precision. Its excellent review from James Suckling underscores its high quality and potential, making it a worthy addition to any wine collection.