2019 Stephane Ogier Cote Rotie La Belle Helene (Pre-arrival)

Utter perfection in red wine, the 2019 Côte Rôtie Belle Helene comes from the Côte Rozier lieu-dit (just above La Landonne) and is not destemmed and brought up mostly in used barrels. In contrast to the more aromatic, finesse-driven Lancement, this is more powerful and masculine and has soaring aromatics of cassis, black raspberries, smoked meat, iron, graphite, and chocolate. Perhaps similar in style to the 2010 (or a mix of 2009 and 2010), its full-bodied, concentrated, and multi-dimensional on the palate, with building tannins and a monster of a mid-palate. It’s an utterly brilliant, legendary Côte Rôtie that will evolve for three decades. It should hit prime time in 7-8 years.