One of the major disappointments at this estate continues to be their Cote Rotie Les Jumelles. The 1999 Cote Rotie Les Jumelles is disappointing. The wine exhibited outstanding potential prior to bottling. Out of bottle, the dark ruby color remains, but there is a leanness with a sense of dilution, faint cherry and currant flavors, a distinct, overt herbaceousness, and astringent tannin. The wine's finish is virtually non-existent. This is a perplexing and distressing wine in what is a great vintage for Cote Rotie. Importer: Frederick Wildman, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700

Strong, bright fruit (red berry, black plum and black cherry) rounds out the mouth of this medium-full Cote-Rotie. More earth berries, herb and hickory smoke on the nose; tart pepper flavors dominate the medium-long, juicy finish. Cellar for 2–3 years.——W.E.(11/1/2001)—— 91