2003 Domaine de Bonserine "La Sarrasine" Côte Rôtie (Previously $40)

93 points Wine Spectator: "Fleshy plum, fig and blackberry fruit is backed by roasted coffee bean and tar notes. Avoids being jammy or soft thanks to the olive-, iron- and lavender-driven finish. Drink now through 2021." (10/06) Domaine de Bonserine is one of the more significant players in Côte Rôtie, with a 10 hectares of vineyards that are concentrated throughout 11 different sites in the northern part of the appellation. In addition to these northern lieux dits (Champin, Fongeant, La Vialliere) Bonserine also maintains just less than one hectare on the Côte Brune, and just under half a hectare at the summit of the Côte Blonde. Cuvée La Sarrasine is composed of 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier. Grapes are completely de-stemmed, vinifed in stainless steel for approximately 3 weeks and aged in 1/3 new oak for 18 months. Dark plum and red fruit notes are beautifully complemented by subtle hints of mineral and and dried herbs. This intense, yet elegant northern Rhône shows none of the over-ripe fruit or excessive alcohol plagued by many wines of the vintage. The 2003 La Sarrasine is a phenomenal value from one of the most hallowed grounds for Syrah. Enjoy now through 2016 with roasted rabbit with wild herbs or a seven-hour roasted leg of lamb. 13% abv. (Mulan Chan-Randel, K&L Wine Merchants)