A bit subdued and oaky on the nose, the 2019 Cote Rotie la Sarrasine is a smooth, medium-bodied effort that seems, frankly, a bit anonymous. Faint mixed-berry flavors layered with spicy oak and a distressing lack of length and texture on the finish are disappointing in a wine from such a hallowed appellation, even if it is a blended, entry-level cuvée.

Inching out the Viallière as my favorite of the Bonserine bottlings this year, the 2017 Cote Rotie la Sarrasine offers up delicate floral, herbal and spice aromas. It's medium to full-bodied, with black olive and blackberry flavors filling out the palate and providing a supple core for the potpourri notes. Deep espresso and vibrant berry flavors mingle on the long, silky finish.

The 2016 Cote Rotie la Sarrasine shows attractive notes of graham crackers and black olives on the nose, followed by flavors of ripe berries, vanilla and peppery spice. It's medium to full-bodied, with a creamy mid-palate, but it turns slightly stern and tannic on the finish.