While very good, the 2006s are slightly more rustic, tannic, and acidic than their younger siblings. The bottled 2006 Cote Rotie La Sarrasine is less impressive than it was from barrel. It possesses a peppery tapenade character, medium body, rustic tannins, tart acids, and spicy, slightly herbal, black cherry and raspberry aromas and flavors. Drink it over the next 8-10 years.
These cuvees tend to be modern-styled, barrique-aged wines with good density, but occasionally too much oak and relatively high tannins. These are all top sites, and I think the potential exists for even better wines to be produced at Domaine de Bonserine. The 2007s are strong efforts for the vintage.
Importer Diageo Chateau and Estate Wines, New York, NY; tel. (646) 223-2200