Jean-Michael Gerin, Cote Rotie Les Grandes Places Syrah 2013

96 points Wine Spectator
"Gorgeous, with a core of raspberry and plum pâte de fruit flavors spilling forth in wave after wave, but still harnessed in the end by deeply embedded acidity and racy graphite notes. The finish is fueled by extra singed apple wood and black tea nuances, while the fruit smolders. Best from 2022 through 2043. 20 cases imported."

94 points Vinous
"Bright purple. An explosively perfumed bouquet displays ripe, spice-tinged blackberry, cherry compote, incense and smoky bacon scents, backed by vanilla and mocha qualities. Offers palate-staining dark fruit liqueur, vanilla and candied violet flavors that are lifted and given focus by a jolt of juicy acidity. Youthfully firm tannins build steadily through a strikingly long, penetrating finish that repeats the blue fruit and floral qualities."

Jancis Robinson
"Cloaked in oak on the nose, and very tannic. Smoked meat and fragrant wood shavings on the palate. Formidable and massive – full of precocious appeal now, but needs years to really hit its stride. 18/20 points. (RH)"

Vinous Reverie Notes
Located in the heart of the Côte-Rôtie vineyards near the village of Ampuis, Domaine Jean-Michel Gerin was created in 1983 with vines inherited from his father and grandfather. In 1987 they began to bottle and sell under the Jean-Michel Gerin brand. In 1988 Gerin made his first purchase of vines in La Grandes Places and added to his holdings in 1996, with the purchase of land on La Landonne. Today, the estate covers 12ha in the Côte-Rôtie appellation where Jean has now been joined by his two sons, Michael and Alexis.
A tiny 1.4 hectare lieu-dit, Les Grandes Places (The Great Place) is composed of micaschiste on steeply terraced hillside vineyards that face South-Southeast. Nearly a quarter of the vines are 80+ years old and most of the vines are over 40. Hand harvested (tractors can’t negotiate the terraces) and picked by descending downhill with a basket strapped behind. Macerated for 30 days. Aged in 100% new oak for 24 months.
Tasting Notes: Bright purple with an explosively perfumed bouquet that displays ripe, spice-tinged blackberry, cherry compote, incense and smoky bacon scents, backed by vanilla and mocha qualities. Huge mouthfeel, it is a wine with power and sustainability. Offers palate-staining dark fruit liqueur, vanilla and candied violet flavors that are lifted and given focus by a jolt of juicy acidity. Youthfully firm tannins build steadily through a strikingly long, penetrating finish that repeats the blue fruit and floral qualities. Ages gracefully for 10+ years from vintage date. Will perfectly accompany red meats and games, charcuteries, strong cheeses.