The 1999 Cote Rotie will rival the finest Burgaud has produced. An opaque ruby/purple color is followed by a tight but blossoming bouquet of blackberries, hickory smoke, damp earth, underbrush, and licorice. The wine is full-bodied, chewy, thick, but civilized. This inky, powerful, full-throttle 1999 possesses plenty of tannin, and enough acidity to provide definition. However, patience will be required. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2016. Burgaud's muscular, sometimes sauvage style of Cote Rotie has lost none of its power and intensity, yet the old style, with a noticeable leathery brett component would appear to be a thing of the past. Importer: Martine's Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400