Domaine Jean-Michel Gerin Cote Rotie Les Grandes Places Rhone, France 1998

Les Grandes Places is grown in vineyards covering 1.4 hectares, 40% of which contain vines over 40 years old. The harvest is destemmed in full and macerated for four weeks, followed by two years' élevage. Its concentration is revealed in its aromas of liquorice, black berries and even chocolate, mellowing harmoniously in a lengthy finish. A dense, broad-shouldered wine, made for keeping, while retaining a beautiful subtlety.