Domaine Merlin François’s 2017 Côte-Rôtie strikes a wonderful balance between brooding depth and elegance. Notes of blueberries, blackberries, and smoked meats wafts from the glass. In the mouth, the dark fruited flavors carry through, with sumptuous notes of tobacco and leather too. Despite the dark fruit and depth of this wine, it manages a relatively nimble mouthfeel with only 13% abv and silky smooth tannins. A great example of Côte-Rôtie that will pair well with dishes of the season, like stews and roasts.
Domaine Merlin François, Côte-Rôtíe (Rhône Valley, France) 2017
By John McDermott