Côte-Rôtie Lieu-dit Bonnivières Yves Cuilleron 2017

Country: France

Region: Northern Rhône

Grape: Syrah

Volume: 75cl

ABV: 13%

Vintage: 2017

Suitable for Vegans: Yes 

Suitable for Vegetarians: Yes

Food pairing: Seared pigeon breast will bring the iron out of this Syrah but any red game is a classic match.

The Côte-Rôtie Bonnivières 2017 from Domaine Yves Cuilleron has an intense garnet color. On the nose, the spicy notes dominate. In the mouth, one cannot remain insensitive to its power (without aggressiveness). The tannins are silky, velvety. Rich, with character, the spices combine with a more mineral touch . It keeps a nice freshness. A great wine to uncork from 2021 until 2035. Before starting the aperitif, you can put this wine in a carafe, it will open slowly to be ready when served.

Yves Cuilleron took over the reins as the 4th generation vigneron in 1987 and has since built up a formidable reputation. He is based in Chavanay, just south of Condrieu, and now owns and leases over 75 hectares. He has a fantastic new cellar, purpose-built and temperature controlled, and produces wines from all the top AOCs of the Northern Rhône.

Côte Rôtie is perhaps the greatest of the Northern Rhone appellations. His ‘Bonnivieres’ single vineyard is situated on a handsome east facing hillside of mica schist soil. It is planted entirely with Syrah grapes. The cuvée spends eighteen months ageing oak barrels. It is a complex, profound wine with a nose of dark fruits, spice, tobacco and a faint roasted edge. Clean and pure on the palate, revealing a rich, rounded style. It has a long powerful finish with silky tannins.