Clusel-Roch's Côte-Rôtie La Viallière 2019 is a red Syrah produced from a steep plot located above Ampuis in the northern part of Rhône, in the northern half of the Côte-Rôtie appellation. La Viallière is a small vineyard planted with vines approximately 30 to 50 years old, with an annual production of about 3,000 bottles. Therefore, this is not a wine you'll come across by chance.
The year 2019 was hot and dry across the entire northern region of Rhône. Between June and mid-September, temperatures exceeded 30°C on 7 out of 10 days, with highs reaching near 40°C. Although there were four light rainfalls of about 30 mm between 20 July and 20 August, these helped the ripening process continue rather than halting it. The berries remained small, and yields decreased by up to 40%. Harvesting began in early September.
This wine exhibits the well-ripened, intensely fruity character of Côte-Rôtie while still retaining the firm texture of the schist soil. The alcohol content is 14%, a somewhat restrained level considering such a hot year, and this is the clearest evidence of how well Clusel-Roch withstood the heat.
Robert Parker (93)
The 2019 Cote Rotie La Vialliere starts off deceptively silky and fine, with charming scents of cherries and herbs and a pleasant, medium-bodied mouthfeel, then turns a bit drying and tannic on the finish.
Jancis Robinson (17.5)
100% Syrah. Organic. Partial destemming. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Two years’ ageing in 228-litre oak, 25% new. Barrel sample.
Tasted blind. Reticent nose that is suggesting blue and sweet blackberry fruit. Real linearity here with a subtle peppery note and very fine tannins. There is a seductive and mysterious feel to this wine, there is a lot of fruit and power waiting to come out over the coming years, such lovely freshness.
