Côte Rôtie, Domaine Stéphane Ogier 2009

Not surprisingly, the 2009s are softer, more front end-loaded wines. The 2009 Cote Rotie Classique saw about 60-70% new oak casks in this concentrated vintage. It reveals a dense purple color along with a beautiful bouquet of frying lard and bacon, blackberries, raspberries, forest floor and spring flowers. The sweetness of the tannin, the wine's opulent, fleshy mouthfeel and long, layered finish make for a sumptuous Cote Rotie to drink over the next 10-15 years.