Estimate
Still dark and brooding in the glass, the 2015 Cote Rotie la Vialliere offers up hints of stemminess on the nose alongside modest cassis fruit. It seems a bit closed down at the moment—perfectly normal for a traditionally made wine from a big, concentrated vintage. Full-bodied, dense and tannic, it ideally needs another five years or more in the cellar. Right now, it's rich and velvety, loaded with potential but a bit chewy and simple despite exhibiting impressive length.
Highly expressive, smoke-accented black raspberry, potpourri, game and peppery spice aromas carry a minerally topnote that gains strength as the wine opens up. Intense red and dark berry, floral pastille and spicecake flavors are braced by a spine of juicy acidity.