Delas Freres   Cote Rotie la Landonne

2003 Cote Rotie la Landonne

By Delas Freres

2003 Cote Rotie la Landonne from Delas Freres, Rhone, Rest of the World

Being a venerated orchestrator of the symphony that is Syrah, Delas Freres has consistently demonstrated its commitment to showcasing the authentic expression of terroir. However, even within this track record, the 2003 Cote Rotie la Landonne emerges as something uniquely profound, indulging wine investors with a vintage that stands out from the pack.

 

Explosive yet Elegant: A Mature Spectacle for the Palate

Planted exclusively with Syrah, Landonne offers up an interpretation of the varietal that is unfettered by other grapes. The 2003 vintage’s combination of profuse aromatic intensity and graceful ageability underlines its investment potential. The density and ripeness garnered from this exceptionally hot summer display themselves ecstatically on the palate; vivid blackberry and cherry notes intertwined with touches of savory spice, black olives, and dried herbs.

The impressive concentration from the hot year does not undermine the sensuous elegance underpinning the essence of Cote Rotie. The suppleness provided by generous years in bottle adds a polish to its sturdy structure, making it an unforgettably hedonistic yet harmonious pleasure.

 

Setting a High Bar in an Exceptional Year

The heatwave in 2003 bestowed European wine regions with challenges and surprises alike. Rhone Valley was no exception, giving birth to wines that managed to rise to their full potential against all odds. This specific vintage of Cote Rotie la Landonne takes the spotlight here.

The complexity offered by this single-site Syrah, combined with its proven track record for longevity, makes it one of the star selections for investors seeking a reliable blue-chip wine.

The foundations of the 2003 Cote Rotie la Landonne from Delas Freres are rooted in the fervor of one extraordinary year and made steady by the chiseled hands of time. An exemplary testament to determination in the face of adversity, this vintage embodies the perseverance that writes the most enchanting tales in the wine world. By all accounts, it is a rhapsody orchestrated with mastery, and promises to be an appreciable addition to any sophisticated wine portfolio.

Current market price

$2,940.00

12x75cl

Highest score

92

POP score

146.67

Scores and tasting notes

92

I liked a bottle of this more last year and found it more fresh and lively; nevertheless, the 2003 Cote Rotie la Landonne was still beautiful on this occasion and gave up lots of mulled fruits, chocolate, licorice and dried herbs. Full-bodied, nicely concentrated and structured, it has a savory edge to it aromatics and tannin profile that makes me think it's best consumed over the coming decade.

Jeb Dunnuck - The Wine Advocate, 13 September 2015

Vintage performance