The 2018 Cote Rotie Maison Rouge emanates from a selection of vines planted in the 1950s—the balance of the domaine's plantings in this lieu-dit go into the blended Blonde de Seigneur bottling. It's all Syrah, with about 30% vinified as whole clusters, and matured in 20% new oak. Hints of cedar and wood spice join red berries and cherries on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate features ample depth, silky tannins and an expansive feel. The finish adds a hint of mocha and some sturdy tannins, so give it several years in the bottle.

The firm, tannic 2015 Cote Rotie Maison Rouge needs another 4-5 years of cellaring. Right now, this medium to full-bodied wine is closed and cedary, showing its 30% new oak, but there's great depth of cherry fruit lurking at its core, waiting to blossom. The potential is clear in the wine's long, silky-textured finish, which picks up hints of fruit and espresso as it lingers.

Continuing to drink beautifully, the 2011 Cote Rotie Maison Rouge (100% Syrah fermented with a small amount of stems) shows the sunny, forward nature of the vintage with its ripe black raspberry, strawberry, spring flowers and spice-laced bouquet. Medium-bodied, elegant and silky, with good ripeness, drink it anytime over the coming decade. The elevage was 20-35% new French oak, and this was also the first vintage where they utilized a newly purchased parcel in the Maison Rouge lieu-dit.