Cote-Rotie Clusel-Roch 1999

“Wilfried Sentex is born in Bordeaux, France and for sure his passion for wine comes from his home country. At present he is working in New York, at Bar Boulud, Daniel Boulud Wine bar. For more information you can reach him at willsentex@gmail.com"

Winery: Clusel Roch

Vintage: 1999

Appellation: Cote-Rotie

Varietal: 96% Syrah, 4% Viognier

Winemaker: Gilbert Clusel and Brigitte Roch

Oak: 24 months in oak (15% new) no filtration

Average Price: N/A

Tasting Notes: With a daylight clarity, medium intensity and purple to garnet color this wine is beautiful. The nose is really powerful with the black cherry, ripe black berry and raisin scents, which combine with the leather, the black pepper and the violet scents. As the palate with a medium tannin and body, a high acidity, this wine releases some black fruits' flavours, same as the nose, the spices (black pepper, nutmeg) become more pronounced. The leather taste, with some violet and a meaty taste (bacon) comes out at the end with the long finish.

Food Pairing Suggestions: This wine could be drank just by itself, with some good friends, maybe for a special occasion, but if you would like to open it for dinner, which is also a really good idea, maybe you should start with some Jambon de Bayonne pan-seared in cider with some shallots, follow with a rack of lamb (medium) crusted with some herbs and roasted, served with some sauteed potatoes and green beans with some garlic. After, why not follow with some cheeses (a nice selection of medium to strong with peppery taste) and if you still have some wine left just finish your dinner with a chocolate souffle. Bonne Appetit!