Stephane Ogier 2018 Cote Rotie "La Belle Helene" 750ml

The 2018 Côte Rôtie La Belle Hélène has closed up slightly since release, and while it's more concentrated than the 2017, it doesn’t have the blockbuster style of the 2015 and comes closest in style to the 2009 with its sunny, exotic, incredibly impressive style. Ripe black fruits, smoky oak, smoked meats, truffle, and lead pencil notes emerge on the nose. These carry to a full-bodied, rich, powerful 2018 with ultra-fine tannins, beautiful purity, and flawless overall balance. It's young yet already showing remarkable complexity and nuance and is an incredible drinking experience. However, it's going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and will be a 30- or 40-year wine.

Score: 100 points -- Jeb Dunnock, jebdunnock.com, 2023