The two cuvees of 2004 I tasted were actually competent for this vintage with the 2004 Cote Rotie La Sarrasine showing dark cherry fruit intermixed with some hints of olive paste, new oak, and toast. The wine has a good attack, medium body, but then like so many 2004s, the high acid combined with tannins give the finish a clipped/abbreviated impression. Drink it over the next 3-4 years.
These are modern-styled wines that possess considerable toasty oak in their youth, but in the best vintages this component becomes nicely integrated with time.
Importer: Diageo Chateau Estate Wines, New York, NY; tel. (212) 419-1400