This is like that time you splurged for first class airfare. Ahhh. So worth it. – Two years in barrique gives this elegant, righ wine a tannic structure so silky you have to actively search for it. Offering nearly-opaque ruby color to frame meaty, truffle, licorice, and coffee-bean aromas and flavors. Alluring black tea complications show to a long, grippy finish. Will age 20 years.
94pts The Wine Advocate– 2012 vintage
FOR THE 2012 VINTAGE
Incorporating 5% Viognier and coming from younger vines located just behind the estate, in the northern part of the appellation, the 2012 Côte Rôtie La Viallière is a smoking effort that has both elegance and richness. Spending 24 months in new demi-muid, it’s a medium to full-bodied effort that has palate-saturating aromas and flavors of black raspberry, pit fruits, liquid violets and licorice. You have to hunt for the structure due to the silkiness of the tannin, and while hard to resist now, it will evolve beautifully through 2027.
N/Apts Guide Hachette– 2012 vintage
FOR THE 2012 VINTAGE
**STARS (excellent) – Candied cherries with smoked and vanilla-flavored aromas. An ample warm Cote-Rotie, strongly built on elegant tannins and freshness
94pts Wine Spectator– 2012 vintage
FOR THE 2012 VINTAGE
This features a velvety edge, with caressing melted licorice and fruitcake notes alongside a core of steeped plum, boysenberry and raspberry fruit. Alluring black tea details show on the finish, accented by a pastis echo. Shows good latent grip. Best from 2016 through 2027. 350 cases made. –JM
