Rene Rostaing, Cote Rotie, La Landonne 1998

0.5-1.0cm 94 points John Gilman The 1998 La Landonne from Domaine Rostaing is even more refined than the 1999, with its slightly more high-toned personality delivering even finer perfume and aromatic complexity. The stellar nose reveals an absolute classic mix of red and black raspberries, coffee, pepper, black olives, gamebird, woodsmoke, marvelous soil tones and a bit of nutskin in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and very soil-driven, with outstanding focus and grip, moderate tannins and lovely balance on the long, pure and complex finish. Both the 1999 and 1998 La Landonne are textbook vintages chez Rostaing, but I have to give a very slight edge to the 1998 for its even more pristine aromatic constellation. 94+(9/2014) 94 points Wine Spectator Gorgeous, with aromas of game and garrigue, followed by lush black cherry and blackberry fruit, roasted espresso bean, cocoa and game flavors and a long herb and mineral-driven finish. Great s