Ravoire Cote Rotie 2011

Olivier Ravoire says that two guardian angels watch over his pickers on the steep slopes of Côte-Rôtie, a sun kissed, south facing spot of vineyard heaven in the northern Rhône. This complex, yet easy drinking 2011 combines finesse with power ' the hallmarks of truly great Côte-Rôtie, and qualities that are perfectly balanced in this deep, finely honed red from the Ravoire family. It's made purely from hand picked grapes (nearly all Syrah, the classic northern Rhône variety). Aged in wooden casks (with very little new oak), the style is more fruit forward than most thanks to a slow fermentation for maximum flavour extraction. Now beginning to show a little maturity, this wine is a magnificent partner for rich stews and game dishes.