Slightly more fresh and lively, with classic Cote Rotie-styled aromas and flavors of saddle leather, violets, bacon fat and sweet red and black fruits, the 2011 Cote Rotie La Brocarde is medium-bodied, pure and elegant, with racy acidity carrying through the finish. Drink it over the coming 12-15 years. Made by Francois Villard, with varying degrees of whole cluster fermentation, these wines shows the racier, focused and peppery side to Syrah. Bright acids, notable tannin and pure, clean flavors are the norm here. Given the high level of stem usage, the vast majority of these will benefit from short term cellaring. Importer: Elite Wine, Lorton, VA; Tel. (703) 339-8150