Côte-Rôtie 1990 - M. Chapoutier

Estate Presentation: Maison M. Chapoutier

Founded in 1808 in Tain-l'Hermitage, Maison M. Chapoutier is an integral part of the world's wine elite. Under the impetus of the visionary Michel Chapoutier in the early 1990s, the estate underwent a major qualitative revolution by adopting biodynamics and focusing on absolutely rigorous plot selections. Renowned for its visceral respect for terroirs and unadorned varietal expressions, the house crafts wines of monumental depth, acclaimed worldwide by the greatest critics for their honesty and legendary aging potential.

Appellation Presentation: Côte-Rôtie

Located in the northernmost part of the northern Rhône Valley, the Côte-Rôtie appellation is one of the most spectacular and steepest vineyards in the world. Syrah vines are planted on steep terraces (chablis) with slopes that can reach 60 degrees, exposed due south and southeast. The terroir rests on schist and gneiss rocks rich in minerals. This sunny climate, combined with the complexity of the schists, produces wines of phenomenal intensity, characterized by a nose of violet, black spices, and smoked bacon, supported by a structure of sovereign elegance.

Vintage Presentation: The Legendary 1990 Vintage in the Rhône

The 1990 vintage is recorded in the history of the Rhône Valley as one of the most grandiose, powerful, and sought-after years of the 20th century for Syrah. Exceptionally hot, dry, and sunny weather throughout the summer resulted in grapes of extraordinary phenolic concentration, rich in natural sugars, and with perfectly ripe tannins. Côte-Rôties from 1990 are monuments of texture, power, and longevity, having now reached a venerable age of absolute fullness.

Description of Bottle Condition

3 bottles available. The liquid level is absolutely perfect and original on all 3 bottles. Prices have been unified based on the perfection of the levels, and bottles will be allocated transparently according to the historical adage: "First come, first served":
- Bottle 1: Very beautiful and intact label. (Automatically assigned to the first order).
- Bottle 2: Fairly beautiful label but slightly torn due to handling in the cellar. (Assigned to the second order).
- Bottle 3: Label very torn by time, though perfectly identifiable. (Assigned to the third order).

Food & Wine Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Serving suggestions: Ideally serve at 16°C - 17°C in large wine glasses. Given its noble natural sedimentary evolution, a gentle decanting of 30 minutes before serving will allow the wine to release its full aromatic splendor while isolating the sediment.
Gastronomic pairings: A wine of this stature calls for dishes of great nobility: hare à la royale, venison fillet with cranberries, leg of lamb roasted with thyme and black olives, or wood pigeon with porcini mushrooms.

Personal Note and Specifics of the Cuvée

"This 1990 Côte-Rôtie from Maison Chapoutier is a rare liquid work of art. Upon tasting, it offers a total immersion into the grand style of aged Syrah. The nose is a complex and changing explosion: notes of black truffle, Chinese ink, black olive tapenade, Sichuan pepper, smoked bacon, noble leather, and brandied cherry. On the palate, the monumental concentration of the 1990 vintage is striking, but the tannins have melted into a texture of imperial velvet. An underlying freshness provides a masterful balance, extending the finish with almost eternal peppery and truffled notes. An anthology bottle."