Wine Advisor
M. Chapoutier, Cote Rotie La Mordoree 2021
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski
Production of the 2021 Cote Rotie la Mordorée was down 60% to 70% because of frost, said Chapoutier. What vines managed to produce fruit did well, if this wine is any indication. Crushed stone and violets accent blueberries and raspberries on the nose, while the wine is medium to full-bodied, concentrated and ripe in the mouth. While intense, it's not as rich as some years, but it's packed with fruit and acidity on the long, silky finish.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
A stunning red with aromas of dark cherries, wild berries, barbecued meat and baking spices. It’s only medium-bodied with finely grained tannins. So much intensity but always in control. Very textural and well-driven, with a velvety core and the very fine tannins coating the palate throughout. It’s harmonious and generous, with a long, vibrant, spicy finish. Limited production. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.
About the Producer
Founded in 1808, M. Chapoutier owns 175 hectares of vines in five appellations in the Rhone Valley and is now run by the energetic and brilliant Michel Chapoutier. Since Michel started running the estate, the quality of the winemaking has improved very quickly and the philosophy of winemaking has changed considerably. Michel Chapoutier's achievements caused an instant sensation in the winemaking world and he completely changed the way Chapoutier wines were made and the winemaking process, eventually making wines to rival those made by Marcel Guigal, one of the best winemakers in the Rhone Valley. The vineyards of Château Sapoutier range from the Rhone Valley to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with a number of quality vineyards planted with Syrah, Grenache, Marsanne, Roussanne and other major grape varieties. The winery is "mono-varietal" (i.e. making wines from a single variety), for example, all Syrah for the Châteauneuf-du-Rotie wines, all Marsanne for the Hermitage whites and all Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines. The wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape are all Grenache. Château Sapoutier has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of its wines, even though each single vineyard produces far more than the 500 cases of fine wine. Since 1989, Château Sapoutier has been using biodynamic farming and winemaking methods with the aim of producing wines that are the purest and closest to the natural terroir. Every decision, every step of the viticultural and winemaking process is designed to add to the terroir, varietal character and vintage identity of the wines. Only wild yeasts are used for fermentation and the wines are made in small oak barrels. The best red and white wines are not clarified or filtered before bottling.
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