The medium to full-bodied 2018 Cote Rotie Vin Rare is creamy and lush on the palate, adding flattering notes of peppery spice to dark berries and finishing with length and texture. I noted a slightly sour edge, similar to that found in the Cote Rotie Grand Vin, hence my ?

Offering more purity and freshness than the Grand Vin, the 500-case 2015 C?te R?tie Vin Rare (100% Syrah aged 15 months in barrel) gives up lots of black raspberries, crushed flowers, and violets aromas and flavors, medium to full-bodied richness and fine, elegant tannin. It should drink nicely for a decade.

As to the reds, the 2011 Cote Rotie Vin Rare is borderline outstanding and the star of the lineup. Nicely concentrated and rich, with tinges of vanilla in its cassis and smoked meat dominated bouquet, it is medium to full-bodied, nicely textured and shows a straight, clean profile on the palate. A blend of 100% Syrah that spent 16-18 months in all neutral oak, it should drink nicely for a decade or more. If it gains a touch more complexity, it will warrant a higher score. Importer: The Sorting Table, Napa CA; tel. (707) 603-1466

A leafy, slightly herbal effort, the 2006 Cote Rotie Vin Rare is medium bodied, nicely textured and right in the middle of its drink window. It’s not ground breaking, but is a solid, enjoyable Cote Rotie to drink over the coming 4-5 years.