Domaine Georges Vernay, Cote Rotie Maison Rouge, Rhone, France, 2018

Overview of the Wine 
An emblematic domain of the Rhône Valley, Domaine Georges-Vernay is renowned for its Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu. Christine Vernay, who has been leading the Domaine and the winemaking for more than 25 years, succeeded her father (Georges Vernay, recognized for having saved the appellation and the viognier grape) and her grandfather (Francis Vernay), at the origin of the creation of the Domaine. 

Winemaker
Christine Vernay

Grape / Blend
Syrah

Origin
Rhône, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Dark fruits, oriental spices, smoke, liquorice, cigar-boxes, chocolate, black pepper… This Côte-Rôtie launched by Christine has sealed the Estate’s reputation, as much as Vernon: from mature Syrah vines in the Maison Rouge locality, it has an incomparable class! Structured, perfectly balanced, it is as sensuous and full-bodied, as it is spicy and enchanting. The tannins are assertive, but the mastery of its vinification creates an exceptionally silky, velvety palate. Intensity, elegance, harmony, sensuality…

96 Points - Decanter
The nose shows more intensity and a more dark-fruited profile than their Blonde du Seigneur, with some dark plum and blackberry along with the raspberry fruit. Still beautifully fragrant however. Medium-bodied, ripe but subtle and elegant, with good acidity and a mineral seam. Tannins are present, very fine, textured like fine sand. Very good now, but will be better from 2027. Lieu-dit Maison Rouge, from the Blonde side (gneiss and granite bedrock). Partly destemmed, 24 months in barriques, 30% new. (MW)

95 Points - Wine Advocate
The 2018 Cote Rotie Maison Rouge emanates from a selection of vines planted in the 1950s—the balance of the domaine's plantings in this lieu-dit go into the blended Blonde de Seigneur bottling. It's all Syrah, with about 30% vinified as whole clusters, and matured in 20% new oak. Hints of cedar and wood spice join red berries and cherries on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate features ample depth, silky tannins and an expansive feel. The finish adds a hint of mocha and some sturdy tannins, so give it several years in the bottle. Best After 2025.

95 Points - Vinous
Opaque ruby. Assertively perfumed black and blue fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of candied flowers, olive and exotic spices. In a concentrated, densely packed style, showing fine definition and spicy cut to its bitter cherry, cassis, fruitcake and violet pastille flavors. Conveys a suave blend of power and energy, finishing taut, spicy and impressively long, with youthfully gripping tannins and resonating florality. One-third whole clusters and 20% new oak. (JR) 

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
The 2018 Côte Rôtie Maison Rouge is all Syrah and saw slightly more stems, fermented with 30% whole clusters, and the aging occurred 25% in foudre and 20% in new barrels, with the balance in used oak. A bigger, richer wine, it offers medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of black raspberries, blackberries, scorched earth, and hints of smoke, with subtle floral nuances with time in the glass. Rich, concentrated, and structured, it needs 3-4 years of bottle age and will have two decades of overall longevity.

Product size: 750ml