We could just say a 90+ rated La Landonne neighbor Côte-Rôtie for 44 bucks and leave it at that. But there’s more to it…

Like “The Catch” by Joe Montana to Dwight Clark or “The Shot” by Jordan to beat the Cavs in the last second, having this wine here today is a ‘see it to believe it’ VINOUS MIRACLE of the highest order.

It’s right here before our very eyes but I still have trouble fathoming it… the impulse to covet and HOARD is strong!

Because…

Côte-Rôtie!!

The “roasted slope” - is home to a small amount of the world’s most complex expression of Syrah. It’s a rugged area, with terraced slopes lining the Rhone, and home to just 300 hectares of vines. It’s hard to find wines that show a better balance of finesse and power anywhere.

Moreover, some of the fruit for this wine comes from a vineyard literally next to La Landonne - the famous Guigal (Delas, Rostaing, and Gerin) site that produced 11 extraordinary 100-point wines that go for TEN times the price you see here!

Perhaps you’re not too familiar with Côte-Rôtie. Well, do you enjoy lush, fruit-laden French reds with 4-dimensional complexity? Then you’ll dig this.

This estate began in 1976 but has been transformed into something special under the hand of young Maxime Gourdain. He took the reins and modernized the whole operation, leveling up BIG TIME.

It also helps that 2019 was an exceptional year. ‘You hope for a few vintages like this in your life,’ said Jean-Paul Jamet in a Decanter article, describing the vintage as ‘magical’. Jeb Dunnuck echoes that “there’s no denying that this is a great vintage for the Northern Rhône… resulting wines are rich, powerful, and at times tannic, with classic ripe black fruit and meaty, spicy aromatics. The wines certainly push on the ripeness level, yet the top wines stay balanced and have beautiful purity of fruit… There is a sea of stunning wines, and this is another buyer’s paradise vintage for the Northern Rhône.”

This joins 98% Syrah and 2% Viognier for color and a floral lift. Decidedly New World in style with a hedonistic edge, but not over the top. It pulsates with black cherry preserves, and blueberry compote, some cassis too. Then you get the candied violets, melted licorice, peppercorns, figs, smoked bacon fat, and sweet spices. It’s quite plush and creamy but also buoyed by perfectly balanced acidity. Even at this young, age, it drinks like a champ. 10/10 would take another sip. And another. And another…

If you’re a die-hard Northern Rhône fan, or just looking to get an idea of what makes Côte-Rôtie special, you’ve found a perfect example. We don’t get too many that check all the boxes, especially the “value” one. Do yourself a favor and get some - we did!

90+ Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“The 2019 Côte Rôtie Drevon is 98% Syrah and 2% Viognier that comes from an assortment of plots, with yields vinified and aged separately for 20 months in barrel before blending. It’s a spicy, perfumed, and complex wine with ample flowery incense, peppery spice, new leather, and assorted red (and some black) fruits. Medium to full-bodied, sweetly fruited, up-front, and textured, drink this total charmer over the coming 7-8 years. Drink 2022-2030.”