The 2004 Cote Rotie Les Grandes Places is relatively soft, fleshy, and surprisingly fat and opulent for a wine from this vintage. Deep ruby/purple with wonderful floral, black cherry, and pain grille notes as well as hints of licorice and spice, it should drink nicely for 10-12 years.
One of the most innovative and progressive producers in Cote Rotie, Jean-Michel Gerin, has also branched out with a project in Priorat, Spain, turning out some very fine wines called Trio Infernal. His 2004s (of course, a fabulous vintage in Spain) are certainly outstanding wines, made from Grenache and very old-vine Carignan.
Importers: New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (843) 497-8625, and Langdon-Shiverick, Cleveland, OH; tel. (216) 861-6800