2014 Domaine Cedric Parpette, Cote-Rotie, Montmain, Rhone Valley, France.
This earthy Cote-Rotie is all de-stemmed 100% Syrah from a pedigreed old vine plot Montmain that used to be a part of Guigal’s La Torque (La La!) with Cedric Parpette going old school in style, crafting a slightly funky wine that shows intense inner brightness and layers of pure Northern Rhone Syrah flavors, though you’ll have to be patient as there is some rough edges to start and the bretty elements are rustic. With time and air the Parpette does clean up a bit allowing a deeper core of fruit to show through and while not beautiful, it does gather up itself in a charming fashion showing mix vine berries, tart cherry, plum and currant/mulberry fruits, wild lavender, peppercorns, tapenade and gamey/meaty notes. In a blind tasting I’d not likely guess Cote-Rotie, as this vintage has more horsey and blood/iron elements than I’d have expected, more like an old school Crozes to be honest. Much better with food, and without pre-expectations things perk up and while not a showy example there is an admirable depth and class to be found and enjoyed, though I’d say there should be a dinner involved to get the best out of this Syrah, no question. Parpette is now imported by Floraison Selections in California, adding a solid Cote-Rotie producer to their awesome lineup of natural and organic producers. I look forward to a riper vintage, and hopefully a bit of a more clean presentation, maybe 2015 will be a next level offering, but that said, this will have plenty of fans, drink in 3 to 5 years.
($50 Est.) 91+ Points, grapelive
