Growing up in the Lynch household, there was never a shortage of fine wine. Fortunate enough to enjoy stellar bottles from the likes of Clape, Raveneau, and Tempier that would come to shape my palate, I rapidly developed favorites. Aged Bandol and Chablis certainly ranked high on my list, but more than anything, the scarce Côte-Rôties from the family cellar truly left a mark. With mystifying, exotic aromatics recalling eucalyptus, faded flowers, black olive, and leather—just to name a few—the wines from this fascinating northern Rhône terroir had me captivated and in total awe. Sadly, the dwindling number of bottles in our Côte-Rôtie bin, once full of gems from vignerons like Robert Jasmin and Marius Gentaz, meant that these special treats became all too rare.
      Things are looking up now for us fanatics of these fine Syrahs grown along the near-vertical banks of the Rhône. Our burgeoning collaboration with Louis Barruol has seen these coveted bins in the cellar fill up with meticulously crafted Côte-Rôties that echo the old style—that magical marriage of power, finesse, and enchanting aromatics—that got me and so many others hooked to begin with. Louis works only with Serine, the region’s traditional Syrah budwood; he vinifies the wines naturally without de-stemming, and he bottles unfiltered. These key factors go a long way in emulating that sensual, perfumed style of Côte-Rôtie that is so rewarding after a few years tucked away.
      “La Boisselée” is a blend we create each year in Louis’ cellar, combining a few barrels from select lieux-dits on the Roasted Slope. While the blend changes each year, it tends to focus more on the Côte Brune, featuring such reputed parcels as Le Plomb, La Viaillère, and Besset. With this three-pack—starring the still-taut 2013, the rounder, more approachable 2014, and the regal, grandiose 2015—you can once again stock the Côte-Rôtie bin in your own cellar.