Domaine Jean-Michel Gerin - Côte-Rôtie - La Viallière - Rouge - 2018

Wine:

The 2018 red Côte Rôtie La Viallière is the 10th vintage from this parcel selection of 1.75 ha of Syrah planted on hillsides. Buoyed by a full vintage and in-house aging in 500-liter barrels, 70% of which are new, it expresses beautiful concentration, strength and generosity, with smooth tannins, a creamy texture and an intense, long finish. Huge potential still lies ahead! Rated 92-94/100 by Parker.

Vinification:

Harvested by hand. 100% destemming. Maceration for 3 to 4 weeks in temperature-controlled vats, 100% indigenous yeasts. Aged 22 months in demi-muids (500-liter barrels), 70% new and 30% 1 or 2 wines. Malolactic fermentation in barrels.

Temperature:

Decant and serve between 14 and 16°C in a large glass.

Food and wine pairing:

Egg and truffle scramble, herb-crusted prime rib, roast duckling with melting potatoes, saddle of lamb with rosemary, pigeon supreme with foie gras.

Cellar aging:

From now until 2033, and beyond for enthusiasts.

Right in the heart of Côte Rôtie, Jean-Michel Gerin is a virtuoso interpreter of the region's king grape variety, Syrah. Never stingy with his efforts, at the forefront of quality trends, this estate is the symbol of modern success in the Northern Rhône. Under its aegis line up the purest expressions of Syrah, combining unrivalled concentration with a long, racy body. Every good thing has its downside: adulated by critics and wine lovers the world over, the domaine is always short of wines. To have access to them is a rare privilege!