Mentor Wines | February 13, 2026
Duclaux La Germine Côte-Rôtie 2019
As the decades pass, Linden’s red wine style has become more confident in terroir interpretation. For years we held Bordeaux as our benchmark. We grow the same grape varieties and have similarities in climate. But now we have a clearer understanding of how our soils give signature to our wines. We’ve always tasted wines from all over the globe looking for direction and inspiration. And that inspiration is coming from new places.
Côte-Rôtie is a small, prestigious appellation in the northern Rhone Valley. The red wines are made with Syrah and often a tiny bit of Viognier. I’ve always adored these wines, but now they have also become instructive. The Duclaux La Germine 2019 has many characteristics that Linden can learn from.
Medium bodied, refined, herbal and savory with subtle red and blue fruits. Reserved, restrained and complex. Defined by grace rather than power. But it is the structure that is most intriguing. There is a special harmony of refreshing acidity and fine-grained tannins. Think Simon and Garfunkel or Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.
The last sip was even better than the first. This is my definition of a great wine.
Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Mentor Wines: February 13, 2026