Gilles Barge – Côte-Rôtie – Cuvée Duplessey – 2000

The Côte-Rôtie is the northernmost appellation in the Rhône Valley. All northern Rhône reds are made from Syrah, although in the Côte-Rôtie they are allowed to add a dash of (the white variety) Viognier, which supposedly adds elegance and balance, and certainly makes the wines more accessible when they are young.

The slopes of the Côte-Rôtie are divided into two areas: the Côte Blond to the south of the town of Ampuis, and the Côte Brune, to the north. While the Côte Blond is associated with wines made from the blend of Syrah with up to 20% Viognier, the Côte Brune is more associated with bigger, more tannic, all-Syrah reds.   

Gilles Barge’s Cuvée Duplessey is from the Côte Blond, and is made with that lightening dash of Viognier.

Not an intensely deep colour, but a very poised bouquet between primary and secondary notes: cherry and blackberry fruit, followed by herbs and just a touch of smoked meat. On the palate, the fruit comes with cracked pepper. The tannins are not yet completely resolved. A very pleasing, well-structured wine, definitely able to support more development.