Domaine Jean Michel Gerin Côte Rôtie Les Grandes Places 2022

Domaine Jean-Michel Gerin works in Côte-Rôtie, the northernmost red appellation of the Rhône, where Syrah grows on terraced slopes so steep they must be worked by hand. Les Grandes Places lies in the northern part of the appellation, on the dark schist soils of the Côte Brune that give powerful, structured wines. The vineyards are organically farmed. The steep south facing terraces catch and hold the sun, ripening Syrah fully, while the continental climate and the cooling river air keep the acidity fresh and the aromatics sharp. The wine is aged twenty-two months in oak barrels, a long raising that softens the firm tannins through slow oxygen exchange and adds spice and depth while the dark fruit stays intact. It is deep, almost black ruby, with a nose of dark plum, blackberry, cracked black pepper, smoke, cured olive and violet. The palate is full bodied and intense, with ripe dark fruit, firm but ripe tannins, a savoury, peppery core and a long, mineral finish. This is a wine to cellar. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees in a large glass and decant if young. It is built for roast and braised red meats and game.