The 2012 Sotanum shows the more masculine side to the appellation with its mineral and gunflint-driven bouquet. Turning gamier with air, this medium-bodied, textured and seamless effort has good mid-palate density and fine tannin. Classy is another term that seems to describe it nicely. It should have 10-12 years of longevity (although, frankly, I have no experience with aged wines from this region). Coming from the schist soils located just north of the town of Vienne (close to Cote Rotie), in the Seyssuel region, and with a slightly similar southern exposure to its more well-known neighbor, the team of Pierre Gaillard, Yves Cuilleron and Francoise Villard are, along with a few other dedicated growers (Stephane Ogier being one of them), showing the potential of this “new” (in the Roman times, it was more famous than Cote Rotie) region. Playing in the more elegant, finesse side of the spectrum, these efforts have beautiful, energetic and lengthy profiles, with solid potential. In addition, they release a number of other cuvees from all of the northern Rhone (and some southern Rhone) appellations. Looking specifically at the efforts from the Seyssuel region (which is north of the town of Vienne and comprised of schist soils), they release two cuvees; the Sotanum, which is a rich, more full-bodied release; and the Heluicum, which is more finesse-driven. Importer: DHI Selection, New York, NY; tel. (516) 869-9170