The 2001 Cote Rotie la Landonne was impressive and possessed plenty of the classic warm spice, smoked meats, graphite, licorice and currant aromas and flavors that always dominate this cuvee. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and seamless on the palate, it's drinking nicely today, but should hold nicely through 2025.

Delas’ luxury cuvee is top-flight, even in the challenging 2001 vintage. The plum/purple-colored 2001 Cote Rotie La Landonne reveals this vineyard’s roasted characteristics in its mineral, Asian spice, licorice, graphite, blackberry, and raspberry-scented and flavored personality. Aged in 70% new oak casks, it has an atypical earthy character as well as fine sweetness, ripeness, and considerable aromatic complexity. A medium to full-bodied, long, rich, and impressive wine, it also possesses high tannin in addition to noticeable acidity, suggesting patience will be a virtue. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2020. Importer: Maison Marques et Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000