Gerin’s 2001 Cote Rotie Champin Le Seigneur spent 11 months in 60% new French oak with one racking. Its deep ruby color is accompanied by a sweet perfume of black raspberries, cherries, and pain grille. This seductive, medium-bodied, lush, fruit-driven Cote Rotie includes 10% Viognier in the blend for additional complexity. Enjoy it over the next 7-8 years. 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