Description

History has it that vines were planted here centuries ago. Two thousand years ago the Latin authors Martial, Pline l’Ancien, Columelle and Plutarque called the wine from Côte Rôtie “Vin Viennois”. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the reputation of the wines from Ampuis just grew bigger. Before the revolution wines from Côte Rôtie were sent to Royal tables around the world; England, Russia, Prussia and France. The vineyard reached its peak in 1890. Every inch of sunny hillside was planted with vines. At this time, the outbreaks of Phyloxera and other diseases didn’t demotivate the winegrowers. Unfortunately World War One will ruin all their efforts. Over 150 men were sent to war and the vineyards were abandoned. It is only in the sixties that the vineyard was attended again.

Terroir

The vineyard of Côte Rôtie is located on the hills of the right bank of the Rhône river. Some of the slopes exceed 60%. The vineyard is located at an altitude ranging between 180 and 325 metres and is composed of 73 localities.
The main stone is granite covered in places by schist but also sand and calcareous soils.
For the most part, our wine comes from the southern part of the appellation; Côte Blonde and Coteau de Tupin. We wished to make wines with great distinction but also with elegance and finesse rather than wines from the north that tend to be harder and more powerful.

The vintage

In 2018, we were lucky to have another very good vintage in the Northern Rhône Valley. A generous and qualitative crop despite major climatic hazards that required the greatest attention.

Location

The vineyard of Côte Rôtie is located on the hills of the right bank of the Rhône riverto the north and south of the village of Ampuis. Some of the slopes exceed 60%. The vineyard is located at an altitude ranging between 180 and 325 metres and is composed of 73 different localities.

Process

Maceration and fermentation for about 20 days with pumping-over for the first few days followed by punching-down. Ageing in 1-year-old barrels for 15 months.

Tasting

The grapes come largely from the parcel called “Rosier”, a granitic sector where Syrah produces wines of great smoothness. A vintage that was particularly sunny has given a powerful but well-balanced wine with extremely fine, velvety tannins and an aromatic spectrum of superbly spicy notes.

Serving

Currently this wine needs to be decanted at least an hour before serving.
Drink in it’s youth: Slow roasted lamb will be a great match for this wine.

Grapes

Syrah : 98 %
Viognier : 2 %

Jancis Robinson

Easy, balanced, very drinkable and fleet of foot. Finishes with simple spicing. Conventional. A safe pair of hands.
Jancis Robinson , 16/20 , 2019-10-01

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2018 Côte Rôtie checks in as 98% Syrah and 2% Viognier. It's a more ruby/purple-hued release and offers a spicy, soft, endearing style in its sweet black raspberry fruits as well as notes of incense, dried flowers, and pepper. Elegant, medium-bodied, and seamless, it's a quintessential Côte Rôtie to enjoy over the coming 10-12 years.
Jeb Dunnuck , 92/100 , 2020-11-19

Wine Spectator

Focused, with a winey core of dark cherry and blackberry notes laced with violet, white pepper and savory hints. Perfumy finish picks up dark olive and bay details while the fruit keeps pace. Syrah and Viognier. Drink now through 2030.
Wine Spectator , 91/100 , 2021-02-28