Cote Rotie Maison Rouge Benjamin et David Duclaux 2015 (750ML)

94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com: "The 2015 Côte Rôtie Maison Rouge comes from the Maison Rouge lieu-dit in the southern, more granitic part of the appellation and is 100% Syrah that was mostly destemmed and brought up in 40% new French oak. The southern part of Côte Rôtie always yields a more elegant, silky style of wine, and this 2015 offers a darker slant to its fruit compared to the La Germine cuvée, with notes of currants, dried raspberries, olives, and pepper. It has a touch of sweet oak, medium to full-bodied richness, and a layered, balanced, classic style that’s going to drink nicely for 10-15 years." 01/18

93 Points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous: "Bright violet. Powerful, mineral-accented cherry and blackberry scents, along with notes of smoky bacon, licorice, potpourri and black pepper. Juicy, concentrated and energetic on the palate, offering concentrated black and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors that show excellent clarity and become sweeter with air. Finishes very long and sappy; a jolt of spiciness adds lift and cut to a blue-fruit-dominated, gently tannic finish. (Drink between 2023-2030)"

93 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: "A deeper and darker set of fruits in a more brambly and spicy mode than the La Germine. This has smooth, open and plush tannins and an energetic blackberry and plum fruit finish. Drink now."

93 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "This sports the ample, dark, juicy fruit of the vintage, with lots of plum compote, blackberry purée and cherry reduction notes, all inlaid with ample singed alder, tobacco leaf and tea accents. Shows solid grip but stays refined, letting the fruit and wood harmonize through the finish. Best from 2019 through 2029. 500 cases made, 70 cases imported."