Description
The 2004 Delas Frères Côte-Rôtie La Landonne is a wine from one of the most prestigious appellations in the Northern Rhône region of France. Côte-Rôtie is renowned for its Syrah-based wines, which are often co-fermented with a small amount of Viognier (though La Landonne is typically 100% Syrah).
Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect from this wine:
Vintage Overview:
2004 Rhône Vintage: A cooler vintage with relatively high acidity and moderate ripeness. Wines from 2004 often display finesse, elegance, and a focus on aromatic complexity rather than sheer power.
Côte-Rôtie in 2004: Wines from this year tend to lean towards the classic style with vibrant fruit, peppery spice, and good aging potential.
Tasting Profile:
Appearance: Deep garnet color, with some potential bricking at the rim if aged in proper conditions.
Aromas: Expect a bouquet of blackberries, cassis, smoked meat, black olives, violet, and hints of earthy minerality. With age, the wine might also exhibit notes of leather, truffle, and tobacco.
Palate: Medium to full-bodied with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long finish. The wine typically showcases a balance between ripe fruit (black cherry, plum) and savory elements like black pepper, herbs, and iron-like minerality.
Aging Potential: By 2025, this wine is approaching its maturity, offering complex tertiary notes while retaining some of its vibrant fruit.
Food Pairing:
Classic Pairings: Grilled lamb chops, duck breast with a berry reduction, or beef stew with wild mushrooms.
Cheese Pairing: Aged hard cheeses like Comté or a creamy blue cheese.
If you’re considering opening this wine now, decant it for about an hour to allow it to open up and reveal its full complexity. Enjoy!