Côte Rôtie Les Terrasses, Vignoble Jean-Luc Jamet 2017

A gem of a Côte Rôtie, the 2017 Côte Rôtie Terrasses shows the sunnier style of the vintage yet brings impressive purity, precision, and balance. Vibrant red fruits, flowers, herbes de Provence, and subtle gamey nuances define this perfumed, complex, exotic Côte Rôtie. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it's beautifully balanced, has fine, polished tannins, and outstanding length. It blossoms with air and is going to continue drinking fabulously well over the coming 15-20 years.

Jamet's 2017 Cote Rotie was likewise still in barrel at the time of my visit. Overall, it doesn't look quite as silky or elegant as the 2018, yet it should offer plenty of complexity and also be approachable early. Crushed stone, violet and meaty notes accent boysenberry fruit in this medium to full-bodied wine, framed by ripe but firm tannins. 2021 - 2030

The 2017 Côte-Rôtie Terrasses was quite awkward on release and needed time to unfurl, but is now showing beautifully. Deep ruby-purple in colour and exhibiting classic aromas of violets, black pepper and fresh forest fruits, the nose has the wonderful herbal edge that only wholebunch fermentation can bring. The palate is silky smooth, the initially-chalky edges melting into the wine. Fine blue and red fruits come together with higher tones of fruit blossom and white pepper. Perfectly poised and bringing all the character Syrah purists could want, this iteration of Les Terrasses lays a serious marker for the potential Jean-Luc has at this new property.

deep red robe; iron, rose petal airs mingle on the nose, which will evolve nicely, is going well now. There is immediate iron with tender floral notes on the palate. It has a fine spine, gains squeeze and gras towards the finish. The tannins can fuse further. It’s genuine. (Lancement, Chavaroche, 600-litre used cask) ***(*) dark red. The bouquet is sunny, gives a sweep of ripe, liqueur red fruits, soaked red cherries or griottes. There is a thread of darkness, tar in its mulberry, cherry stone flavour. It feels and tastes ripe, is textured thickly. It is smooth overall, isn’t yet ensemble. This is solar wine. 14-16 years 2) (a pre-assembly of eight different plots, 600-litre used cask) **** dark red. Light grilling, oak-toast, a neat red berry, mulberry inner aroma with notes of roses. This has good, cosy style at its heart. The palate moves fluidly, is gourmand, and well-juiced sweetness is present. This has finesse, and gives a good, steady and consistent flow, musky notes. It’s an open and willing, pleasure wine. From 2021. 2034-36 Mar 2018