2013 Louis Barruol-Barruol-Lynch, Cote-Rotie, Neve, Rhone Red, France.
The 2013 Barruol-Lynch Cote-Rotie and Hermitage offerings are brilliant and delicate, these are surprisingly light on their feet, but gorgeous Syrah wines, especially delicious is the Neve Cote-Rotie, which I put above the other for stylish flourish and complexity. The 2013 vintage Barruol-Lynch, a partnership between famed Berkeley importer Kermit Lynch and Chateau de Saint-Cosme owner/winemaker Louis Barruol, shows vibrant pure Syrah character with Cote-Rotie’s signature violets, flinty stones and cracked peppercorns along with boysenberry, plum and kirsch notes plus a hint of game, granite and black olives. This is pretty stuff, the floral perfume lingers both in scent and aftertaste and the modest alcohol makes for fresh and almost Pinot like experience for the palate. Unlike the denser and glycerin heavy Guigal Cote-Rotie examples this Barruol made version is more old school, restrained and can be enjoyed right now. The northern Rhone lineup from Barruol-Lynch is an exciting set of wines, be sure to search out the 2010’s if you can still find them, but the 2013 is certainly a pleasing option that looks to gain a bit with age and drink well now.
($70 Est.) 92+ Points, grapelive
