Jean-Michel Gerin Cote Rotie "La Landonne" 2013
(Northern Rhone, France) - [WS 96] [WA 94] [VM 93] [WE 93]

About the Winery:

Located in the heart of the Côte-Rôtie vineyards near the village of Ampuis, Domaine Jean-Michel Gerin was created in 1983 with vines inherited from his father and grandfather and they began to bottle and sell under the Jean-Michel Gerin brand.
In 1988 Gerin made his first purchase of vines in Les Grandes Places and added to his holdings in 1989, with the purchase of land on La Landonne. Today, the estate covers nearly 30 acres in the Côte-Rôtie appellation where Jean has now been joined by his two sons, Michael and Alexis.

About the Wine:

WINEMAKING & VINTAGE NOTES

La Landonne comprises a total of 4.40 ha but despite its small size, is farmed by nine different growers (0.40 ha is owned by JM Gerin). Five of these growers bottle directly, including Guigal (2ha), Rostang, Delas & Xavier Gerard. The value of La Landonne is as great as the production is limited ($1.5MM/ha;150 cs/year).
30-year-old vines are grown in iron-rich soil; The terrior consists of micaschiste soil with vines that slope on the hillside at a 50% incline facing southeast.
After harvest, the grapes are destemmed and macerated for four weeks. Gerin uses native yeasts for all their wines.

TASTING NOTES

Finesse, balance and intensity summarize this wine. Supple tannins and aromatic complexity reminds us the beauty of this terroir.
Dark purple with potent aromas of blackberry liqueur, licorice and floral oils that are complicated by a peppery note and a hint of vanillin oak. Dense, round and seamless on the palate, showing a suave, velvety texture to its flavors of dark berry compote and cola.  The long, sweet finish features impressive energy, lush tannins and an exotic floral pastille flourish. 

Pairs with red meats, stuffed eggplant or strong cheeses.

TECHNICAL DATA

WINEMAKER: Jean-Michel Gerin
AGEING: Aged 22 months in oak barrique (30% new).
GRAPE VARIETIES 100% Syrah
Alcohol 15%

Rating & Reviews:

96 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A stunning display of fruit, with velvety layers of cassis, plum sauce, raspberry reduction and blackberry compote cascading over one another, supported by a backdrop of graphite and warm ganache. The mouthfeel draws attention away from just how dense the wine is, while the fruit echoes. Best from 2021 through 2043. 15 cases imported." – JM (Aug 2017)

94 Points - Wine Advocate:
"Easily the cream of the lineup is the 2013 Côte Rôtie la Landonne. Showing the modern slant that’s present in all of Gerin’s wines, it has terrific notes of graphite, black raspberry, spring flowers and high class oak. Medium to full-bodied, ultra-pure, seamless and with fine tannin, it shows the fresher, more elegant style of the vintage and should drink nicely for a decade." – Jeb Dunnuck (Dec 2015)

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"Inky ruby. Potent smoke- and spice-accented black and blue fruit aromas are complicated by sexy vanilla, violet and incense nuances that build with air. Sappy, penetrating black and blue fruit liqueur flavors stain the palate, joined by slowly building licorice and floral pastille qualities. Rich yet vibrant and energetic, finishing sweet, focused and very long, showing harmonious tannins that frame the plush dark fruit." – Josh Raynolds (Feb 2015)

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"This is a tremendous example of Côte-Rôtie from an irregular vintage. After 20 months in new oak, the wine is a seamless amalgam of roasted meat and charred fruit. The tannins are supple, the extraction and ripeness judged expertly to provide richness without excessive weight. The finish does firm up a bit, so drink it from 2018–2028, and possibly beyond." – JC (Sep 2017)