The 1999 Cote Rotie La Garde is a good bet. While the oak is dominant, the wine shows depth, sweet fruit, and a certain roundness and lushness. There is good fruit and ripeness on the attack as well as a medium-bodied, spicy finish. It should drink well for a decade. A principal objection with respect to Bonserine's cuvees is their high levels of aggressive oak. They are internationally-styled, with less typicity than other examples of the appellation. Readers may recall I have had the same problem with all Bonserine's recent vintages.
Wood addicts will rate this wine higher than I have.
Importer: Seagram Chateau and Estates, New York, NY; tel. (212) 572-7184