Description
This is Chrisophe’s entry level Côte Rôtie, from a blend of sites both north (more schist dominant) and south (more decomposed granite dominant). The overall blend makes for a remarkably satisfying and complete whole, a standout value play in every single vintage of recent. This is aged 100% in used oak, and included some whole cluster as of late (30%). As the reviews attest to, honest, deep, and satisfying Côte Rôtie and then some.
“95-97% Syrah, 3-5% Viognier, 60% from sanded granite soils on Le Goutay (1988-99, 2001), Combard (1998-99, 2001, southern zone), 40% from schist soils on Les Moutonnes (1960s) and next door Côte Baudin (part 1960s, part 1980s) on the Côte Brune zone, destemmed crop (only 70% destemmed in 2015), 15-18 day vinification, twice daily pumping overs, three daily manual cap punchings during maceration, aged 1-2-3 year oak casks 21-26 months, north & south zone wines blended prior to bottling, unfined, filtered, 4-6,000 b” John Livingstone Learmonth
“Opaque ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes mineral-accented blackberry, cherry liqueur, exotic spices and incense, along with a subtle potpourri nuance. Coats the palate with sappy black and blue fruit preserve flavors complemented by suggestions of star anise, olive, smoked meat and candied violet. Appealingly sweet and concentrated, showing sharp focus and sneaky tannins on the long, penetrating finish. All used oak.” 92 Josh Raynolds
“black-centre robe, crimson top. The nose combines crushed nutshells, oak, with stylish black fruits, a note of lead pencil. It’s a direct autograph of a northern, schist sector wine. The palate holds attractive black berry fruits, cassis to the fore, with crunchy tannins from half way. It’s promising, an articulate, typical 2016 with stealthy gain in depth towards the finish, one of its best cards there, a great flourish. From 2021. 2033-35 Nov 2017” 4.5 Stars JLL
“Brilliant stuff, Billon’s 2016 Côte Rôtie Les Elotins is a blend of 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier that spent 22 months in once- and twice-used barrels. Deep, rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, it has more depth and richness than most in this classic, charming vintage. Saturated purple-colored, with terrific notes of cassis, blackberries, scorched earth, violets, and graphite, it hits the palate with a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, good acidity, and present yet sweet tannins, all of which give it a classic feel. Drink this balanced, layered 2016 any time over the coming 10-15 years.” 94 Jeb Dunnuck
