The Gerin family, with six generations rooted in Ampuis, the heart of Côte-Rôtie, established their own vineyards in 1983. The estate is committed to traditional, hand-tended viticulture, eschewing chemical fertilizers and herbicides, and achieved organic certification in 2023. Jean-Michel Gerin's wines are celebrated for their concentration and impressive velvety texture. The 'Les Grandes Places' vineyard boasts vines over 40 years old, contributing to the wine's depth, and it undergoes two years of aging in oak barrels. This 1997 Côte-Rôtie Les Grandes Places is an expansive and full-bodied wine, showcasing fabulous concentration, outstanding purity, and notably low acidity. It is often described as a hedonistic, lush, heady, and decadently styled Côte-Rôtie. The wine reveals aromas of licorice, black berries, and even chocolate, which harmonize beautifully into a lengthy finish. It's a dense, broad-shouldered wine built for keeping, yet it maintains a beautiful subtlety. Common tasting notes include prominent black fruit characteristics, such as black cherry and blackberry. 【 Hedonistic, lush, heady, decadently styled Cote Rotie with fabulous concentration and outstanding purity 】 This 1997 Côte-Rôtie is a mature wine, likely showcasing complex tertiary aromas of leather, forest floor, dried fruit, and spice, alongside any remaining fruit character. Expect a delicate structure that has evolved over decades. The cork and capsule may be fragile, so handle with care. Serving Advice: Store the bottle upright for several days to allow any sediment to settle. Decant very carefully, perhaps using a fine mesh filter, just before serving to remove sediment. Be gentle to avoid disturbing the wine too much, as excessive aeration can cause older wines to fade quickly. Serve at cellar temperature, around 16-18°C (60-64°F), in appropriate glassware to appreciate its delicate aromas. 🍴 Food pairing suggestions: Given its age and style, this wine would be an excellent match for rich red meats, game dishes, or strong, aged cheeses. Lamb is a classic pairing for Côte-Rôtie. 🥂 Event suggestions: This is a wine for serious collectors and special occasions, particularly for those who appreciate mature, complex Northern Rhône Syrah. Its age and concentration make it a contemplative wine, perfect for a memorable anniversary or a gathering of discerning wine connoisseurs.