Fashioned from 100% Syrah, the 2001 Cote Rotie Les Grandes Places (aged in 100% new oak) is virile and masculine, offering a dense ruby/purple color as well as a bouquet of roasted earth, licorice, minerals, blackberries, and cassis. Tannic, medium-bodied, and chewy, it requires cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2016. The president of the syndicate of Cote Rotie growers, the young, dynamic, and talented Jean-Michel Gerin continues to build a strong following for his progressive, modern-styled, barrique-aged Cote Roties. He calls 2001 a “very good vintage ... assuming vignerons did severe crop-thinning.” He believes the wines will be approachable early, much like 1997. Importers: New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (843) 448-9463 and Langdon-Shiverick, Cleveland, OH; tel. (216) 861-6800