christophe semaska lancement cote-rotie 2016 750ml

The history of Christophe Semaska is linked to the revival in 1988, of a great Cote Rotie Domaine: Le Chateau de Montlys, a gem left untouched since the 1789 revolution. This 16th century domaine sits on a hillside facing the Rhone River, a privileged location for exploiting the vines and it remains the largest privately owned with 8 ha of terraced vineyards on the appellation. Chateau de Montlys disappeared from the tables for 70 years after the last winemaker went off to fight during WWI and the total devastation of the vineyards by phylloxera. Due to technical and economic expansion, a new winery was built in 2011 with the best equipment for vinification, maturation and cellaring. Christophe draws on all his knowledge in detail to achieve excellence with the love and the passion for his terroir to shine even brighter.

GRAPE VARIETY
100% Syrah.

TERROIR
Light-coloured,granite and silicieous soils, typical in the Cote Rotie. Lancement is the name of the wine parcel situated on the upper slopes of the Cote Rotie. Planted in 1972, the parcel covers 7,000m.

MATURATION
Amaturation period of 24 months in new oak barrels, the type of wood selected enhances the power and elegance.

CHARACTER
Complex aromas of small ripe berry fruit and spices. Full-bodied with finesse on the finish and silky tannins.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM
"Inky ruby. Candied cherry, boysenberry, exotic spices, incense and a hint of vanilla on the highly perfumed nose. Silky, penetrating and sweet, offering juicy, appealingly sweet black and blue fruit, floral pastille and spicecake flavors that spread out slowly on the back half. A vibrant mineral note appears on the strikingly long finish, which is given shape by velvety, well-integrated tannins."
93 points, Vinous

750ml bottle