Brotte et Armentier - Côte Rôtie 1978
Pairing Suggestions
Brotte et Armenier, Côte Rôtie, 1978 (94 TSW).
This is the predecessor of the current Les Murets vineyard referring to the small walls which you see more often in the Northern Rhône vineyards made of brown earth, called ‘les cheys’. The fruit originates from very steep slopes (up to 40 percent!) facing south-south-east, around Ampuis.
Continental climate with unique granitic subsoil and schistes top layer. 1978 happened to be a superior vintage, maybe the best ever (Parker 98) in the Northern Rhône.
My tasting notes:
Although a 40 year old wine, the level was high shoulders and the cork still intact.
Light garnet color with lots of sediment.
Seductive perfume of dried plums, strawberry confit, clove and elderberry jam.
Silky soft on the palate with impressions of plums, sultana, white pepper, dried figs and beautifully soft tannins. Long lingering finish with great freshness.
Fully developed but no sign of fatigue. Will try a second bottle in a few days. Drank it with quail and foie gras which worked very well.