Rhone Part 2, Tuesday: I am in Ampuis, South of Lyon to taste the red wines of Cote Rotie & St. Joseph... 

Côte-Rôtie is just 3 km long, comprising 7 or 8 hills. St. Joseph is a longer region along the river. I taste mostly 2008, 09, & 10. They're still young yet show impressive potential. I am pleased with Domaine Louis Chèze. I score 5 reds 90 to 91. D. de la Faviere St. Joseph '09 earns a 90; very elegant. D. Patrick & Christophe Bonnefond Côte-Rôtie '09 & '10 score 90 and 91, respectively. High quality wines, attractive label. Virtually all the Condrieu whites are Viognier grapes and are exceptional. The villages, cascading hills and river are magical.

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