The 1987 Gentaz-Dervieux Côte Rôtie Côte Brune is from a surprisingly good vintage for Côte Rôtie, unlike other Northern Rhône appellations. Top producers like Gentaz-Dervieux crafted impressive, concentrated wines with soft tannins and excellent ripeness. Marius Gentaz, a legendary winemaker, consistently produced wines of beauty and typicity, even in more average years. 【Gentaz-Dervieux is a cult wine producer whose wines are highly sought after, especially given the domaine no longer exists.】 For a wine of this age, expect a delicate and evolved style. The 1987 Gentaz-Dervieux is described as a velvety, berry, herb, olive, fruity-scented wine with medium body. Initial aromatics might be a little funky but with air, a haunting scent combining olives, red fruits, forestal earthy notes, and herbal elements develops. It offers incredible depth and complexity on a gentle, lightweight frame with impeccable balance and length. Some notes also mention blood and sweet licorice on the nose, with hints of mint on the palate. Serving Advice for an Aged Wine: Wines of this venerable age require careful handling. The cork may be fragile, so use a Durand opener or a two-pronged cork puller. Decanting is highly recommended, but gently, to separate any sediment that has formed over decades. Allow it to breathe for 30-60 minutes, but monitor closely to ensure it doesn't fade. Serve at cellar temperature, around 16-18°C (60-64°F). While specific food pairings for the 1987 vintage are not widely available, Côte Rôtie generally pairs well with roasted red meats, game, and dishes featuring herbs and olives, reflecting the wine's aromatic profile. Given its age and potential delicacy, consider lighter preparations of lamb or duck, or aged hard cheeses. This wine is ideal for a truly special occasion, perhaps a significant anniversary or a gathering of serious wine collectors. Its rarity and historical significance make it a contemplative wine, perfect for quiet appreciation rather than a boisterous event.