WTN: 1998 JM Stephan Côte Rôtie

Amazingly fragrant nose, huge floral scents and bacon. Deep garnet. Absolutely delicious red fruit. Elegant. What all Côte Rôtie wants to be when it grows up.

This would be the perfect introduction for someone wanting to learn about Côte Rôtie. Classic profile.

Thrilled to hear we have some more of this in the cellar!

(Posted because the gents in Chat are very... demanding. )

Thank you Cynthia! Mature CR is a huge delight - though I am a bit surprised that a '98 is already showing "grown up" - or is that typical for a Stephan to be grown up at 10? I don't think I've ever tried one. More notes from the lovely cellar, please!

-A demanding chap

I don't know that the domaine has been bottling for much more than 10 years, Otto, so it's probably difficult to comment on their track record. But I'm also surprised that the wine showed mature, based on how it tasted young.