1999 Michel & Stephane Ogier “La Belle Helene” Côte-Rôtie

Another monster wine like the Grandes Places. This one is from the old-vines plot at the nearby Côte-Rozier. Stephane set out to make a monster, starting with the vineyard practices and succeeded very well. This is the sort of wine you drink on its own. If you want ’em big and brawny, the ’99 Belle Helene is as good as it gets.

SY (3/02)