Bonnefond Cote Rotie “Colline de Couzou” 22

Vinous’s Nicholas Greinacher puts it well:  “Seldom does Syrah produce wines of such elegance and detail as it does in Côte-Rôtie, evoking characteristics often associated with Pinot Noir. Usually medium-bodied at most and often red-fruited and hauntingly floral, these wines can dazzle with refinement and finesse.” For more than 20 years we have watched winemaker Christophe Bonnefond’s style evolve to emphasize more and more these special characteristics, and the term “dazzling” is often an apt description for his results.

Bonnefond’s regular cuvée Côte Rôtie Cuvée “Colline de Couzou” is particularly impressive for its balance.  There is plenty of freshness, but it supports beautifully ripe fruit with a fine mouthfeel with papery tannins and a silky finish.  A mineral line joins in, adding slightly earthy notes like black olives; and the nose adds spice, black pepper, and floral overtones of violets.