"Coming from the La Viallière and Coteau de Basenon lieux-dits, the 2018 Côte Rôtie Vires De Serine checks in as 100% Syrah that was brought up in new French oak. Its deep ruby/purple hue is followed by a young, unevolved wine offering lots of black raspberry and blueberry fruits intermixed with notes of roasted meats, chocolate, spice box, and spring flowers. Despite not including any Viognier, it's an incredibly floral, perfumed, and exotic Côte Rôtie with gorgeous fruit, a stacked mid-palate, ripe tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. There's a kiss of background oak, but it has a wealth of fruit and texture, fabulous balance, and holds onto a pure, balanced Côte Rôtie style. Hide bottles for 4-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades."
- Jeb Dunnuck (Northern Rhône: The 2018s and 2019s, November 2020), 97 pts