Yves Cuilleron Côte Rôtie ‘Terre Sombres ‘ 2010

Description

“Yves Cuilleron is a superstar of the Northern Rhône” thewinedoctor.com

“Yves Cuilleron has become one of the bright shining stars of the northern Rhone” Robert Parker.

In 1987 Yves took over his family wine estate (after 4 generations) located in Verlieu (in the town of  Chavanay) and since that time he has built an entirely new winery. He has acquired additional vineyards (domaine is now 52 hectares) that cover appellations, including  Saint Joseph, Cote Rotie, Cornas, Condrieu, Saint Péray and a series of Vin de Pays from the Collines Rhodaniennes.  His philosophy in the vineyard is simple and very much a sustainable approach, no insecticides/pesticides only organic ones, majority is high density planted (competition between vines enhances fruit quality), handpicked fruit (much of vineyard is on terraces). Similarly in the winery a natural approach: wild yeasts, no additions, open fermenters (temperature controlled), maturation in french oak barriques and foudres (his wines are more about purity of fruit and he goes easy on the oak).

The dream 2010 vintage has been praised and lauded so much- it is often referred to as the vintage of a generation (yields were down in 2010 which makes it even more scarce!).  Jancis Robinson was even more heroic in her description of the 2010 season and said : “Low yields of exceptionally good quality. 2010, one of the best years in the northern Rhone – possibly the best in history!

‘Terre Sombres’ refers to the brown soil of the renowned lieux-dits in the north of the appellation, in the municipality of Ampuis.  Fruit sourced from Bonnivieres a handsome east-facing, old vine, high density planted vineyard of mica schist (1.8 hectare vineyard).  18 months in barriques.  A deep, complex nose of black fruit, spice and liquorice, with delicate oaky notes that will age for a good 15 yrs or more. Dense concentrated wine- full of structure, drive and finesse. A touch of bottle age has taken this gorgeous syrah to another level

92-94 points – Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, Mar/Apr 12   ‘Inky purple.  Sexy, intense aromas of black raspberry, bacon, Asian spices and cola. Lush, sweet and broad, with lively acidity lifting the dense flavors of red and dark berries and violet. Finishes sappy, tactile and very long, with lingering spiciness and excellent energy.’ Very limited