2016 Stéphane Ogier Côte-Rôtie Mes Grands Lieux

Still reductive at this stage, the 2016 Mes Grands Lieux stands out as one of the most inherently complex, delicate and perfumed wines of the vertical tasting. It unwinds slowly in the glass, revealing aromas of dark berries, rose, timut pepper, mocha, tapenade and mulberries. Full-bodied yet remarkably poised, it is dense and deep, built around a multidimensional core of fruit framed by filigreed tannins and energized by incisive acidity, extending into a long, ethereal and seemingly endless finish. Here, acidity plays a defining role, conferring both lift and finesse while ensuring the wine’s capacity to age gracefully for two decades or more.

The first vintage of this cote-rotie blended from some of Ogier's best vineyard sites after 10 years. It's medium-bodied with depth and intensity of fruit, with spices and orange blossom aromas and flavors. Plenty of plum and berry undertones. It's medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins. Hints of sliced orange and plums with peaches at the end. Beautiful balance and finesse.