92
Antonio Galloni - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"The single-vineyard 2005 Coteau La Tour is 100% Syrah that spent nine months in 300-liter French oak barrels. This polished, full-bodied red is loaded with ripe dark fruit, sweet spices, toasted oak and earthiness. Made in a full-bodied style, the wine offers outstanding balance, particularly in the way the tannins are beautifully folded into the layers of fruit. This is a terrific effort. The vintage for this wine is indicated by the last two digits in the lot number: L 12-A05. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015." -92 points- Antonio Galloni- Wine Advocate
WINE:
"The average age of the vineyard is 15 years old and the soils are sandy on a glacial base. They are located 650 meters above sea level, facing west. Harvest occurs in mid October. Fermentation occurs in oak casks at controlled temperatures. This occurs over a period of 9 months in 300 L oak barrels. Intense and complex with the characteristic spiciness of Syrah, and a lush, velvety finish." -Importer
WINERY:
"Founded in 1989 by Costantino Charrère and Jolanda Plat, Les Crêtes is one of the few privately-owned commercial wineries, and is the most well-known in the quaint region of Valle D’Aosta. In addition to producing what is often described as the best Chardonnay in Italy, they cultivate the intriguing indigenous varieties of fumin, petite arvine, and petite rouge. Until recently, their entire annual production was sold entirely within Italy. The winery is located in Aymavilles, and vineyards are planted in five communes along the river Dora Baltea. The hills of Couteau La Tour compose the most precious vineyard of the winery, and one of the most beautiful in all of Valle d’Aosta." -Importer