ARDBEG Smoketrails Cote Rotie

TASTING NOTES

COLOR: A deep gold with coppery reflections that capture the light, evoking the warmth of a sunny afternoon in the Rhône. As the glass swirls, dense, slow-falling tears are visible, suggesting a rich texture and complex body.

NOSE: The first impression is a wave of dense, comforting smoke, like the embrace of a fireplace at nightfall. But underneath this layer of peat, an intriguing dance of notes unfolds, reminiscent of ripe black fruits: plums, blackberries and a touch of fresh red cherry. A subtly spicy undertone, with a slight presence of white pepper and dried herbs, mingles with the echo of an elegant red wine, leaving a sense of sweet smoke in the air, like wood burning in an oak cellar.

TASTE: On the palate, the smoky character is enveloping yet perfectly balanced by the influence of the Côtes-Rôtie barrel. The taste is a play of contrasts: the earthy peat and saline dew of the island meet the softness of ripe fruit, leaving an aftertaste of bitter chocolate and a slight astringency, reminiscent of the soft tannins of a good red wine. The finish is long and warm, with a hint of dried spice and a lingering smoky aftertaste, as if the soul of a campfire had been distilled next to a vineyard.