2005 Jean-Michel Gerin Côte-Rôtie Champin le Seigneur - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie (7/2/2009) Quite austere by Gerin's standards. Started shy but obviously got better with air. Hint of minerality on the nose with a lot of olives (black and green), mix of red and dark fruits, smoke and pain grille. Whiff of plummy, burlat cherries. Also some nice bacon notes.The oak is well used, discreet and adds complexity. Tannins have, surprisingly, already smoothed out. Medium body, fresh acidity which keeps everything balanced, palate is matching the nose with a long finish. Already quite open, this is a wine I'd wait 5-6 years to drink but I was really surprised how accessible it was. (92 pts.)
