Syrah ‘La Rosine" Stéphane Ogier 2021

 Stéphane Ogier, Ampuis

“A highly progressive domaine, in the hands of enthusiastic, switched-on Stéphane Ogier” John Livingstone-Learmonth, DrinkRhone.com 2017

This fine 14 hectares estate is crafting some of the most spectacular wines in the Côte Rôtie appellation. After years of selling to négociants, namely Guigal and Chapoutier, Michel Ogier belatedly started bottling his own wines during the 1980s. His son, Stéphane, took over the reins of the domaine in 1997 and has been establishing a fine reputation based on his own merits. He is now considered one of the very greatest producers of Côte Rôtie. He works with tiny parcels of vines throughout Côte Rôtie, in the Côte Blonde, Brune and Côte Rosiers vineyards. His wines reflect authentic Côte Rôtie styling, but with an added element of modern polish. They are true to their terroirs, being vinified with either whole bunch or destemmed fermentation, depending on the particular terroir and vintage. In a move to clearly delineate quality, Stéphane has introduced new cuvées of Côte Rôtie that reflect a more Burgundian hierarchy: ‘village’, ‘Premier Cru’ equivalents and ‘Grand Cru’ equivalents, specifically Le Village, Réserve, Lancement, Belle Hélène and Côte Blonde. All cuvées are individual, yet all exhibit the house style of freshness, purity and length, with an almost Burgundian feel thanks to their acidity and fine tannin structure. ‘Le Village’ originates both from younger vines and lesser terroirs located near the upper plateau; fashioned to be an earlier drinking, yet a classic Côte Rôtie. The ‘Réserve’ bottling is aimed at ‘Premier Cru’ quality, but is noticeably more concentrated and structured. It is a blend of several terroirs and has incredible complexity and length. Stéphane’s classic Viognier has hints of minerality, rich almost exotic white fruit, but with just enough freshness and judicious oak handling. The reds display attractive smoky aromas, juicy fruit and meatiness - trademarks of classic Northern Rhône.

The La Rosine displays classic Côte Rôtie aromas and flavors such as smoked meats, ripe plums, black tea, and spice. Silky mouthfeel. This is an awesome entry-level wine from the northern Rhône, and is less than half the price of good Côte Rôtie The Viognier de Rosine is a high-toned, delicate, floral wine with wonderful length and complexity. Elegant white peach and apricot notes intermixed with honeysuckle.

Grape: 100% Syrah

Organic