The 2011 Cote Rotie offers the classic perfume of the appellation, with savory meatiness, cracked pepper, rendered bacon fat, currant bud and lavender-like qualities all soaring from the glass. Coming mostly from schist soils (think Cote Brune-esque), it shows thrilling minerality on the palate, with medium to full-bodied richness, polished tannin and serious length. Count me a fan and this top-notch effort will evolve gracefully for 10-12+ years. In addition to producing some of the best Gigondas out there, superstar winemaker Louis Barruol makes some fine Northern Rhones as well. Importer: Country Vintners, Ashland, VA; tel. (804) 752-3670