Domaine François Merlin
2012 Côte-Rôtie
Originating from the Cognet lieu-dit, this Syrah is a robust yet elegant Côte Rôtie. One of our most stunning wines, we bring out this bottle whenever we want to dazzle a guest or a friend!
A reticent nose soon opens up to reveal seductive, musky meat aromas, with stewed fruit scents and floral undertones. Has real presence on the palate — rich and chocolaty with hints of cayenne. Muscular tannins veil a sweet core of underlying fruit. Already an attractive wine, but a couple more years more will show it at its best. Decant it and take it slowly if you can’t help drinking it young.
Food pairing: Lamb; sausages; grilled or barbecued meat; pungent stews; pepper steak; dishes flavored with olives
Quite robust with gobs of blackberry, mocha and a bit of earth. Rich and savory, this Syrah has great structure and will age well.
Food pairing: Bacon
The Creator of This Wine
Domaine François Merlin
Heir not to a winemaker but to a chemical engineer, François Merlin studied agriculture and learned the work of the vines in the vineyards of René Rostaing. He planted his first vineyard -- in Condrieu -- in 1987, started making his own wines in 1999, and quickly became one of the “top names” in Condrieu (according to Rhône expert Livingstone-Learmonth). His son Laurent joined him in 2013.
| Producer: | Domaine François Merlin |
| Region: | Rhone |
| Year: | 2012 |
| Maturity: | 2016-2025 |
| Alcohol: | 13% |
| Bottle size: | 750ml |
| Color: | Red |
| Varietal: | Syrah |
| Flavors: | Dark fruit, Leather, Cocoa |
| Body: | Full |
| Soul: | Robust |
