Domaine Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie Cote Blonde, Rhone, France 2022

The estate dates to 1971, but rose to real prominence in the early ‘90s after founder René Rostaing inherited a treasury of prime vineyards from two of Cote Rotie’s early giants; his father-in-law, Albert Dervieux, and uncle, Marius Gentaz.

René’s son, Pierre, today tends over 7.5ha of vines in 14 climats, including some of Côte Rôtie’s most revered vineyards such as La Landonne, Côte Blonde, La Viallière, and Côte Brune.

Winemaking follows the classical model. Up to 100% of the stems are used depending on vintage and ripeness. An extended, gentle maceration is followed by aging in a mix of pièce and demi-muid, with only about 10-15% new.

In the late 1990s, René and his wife purchased a property in the Côteaux du Languedoc near Nîmes, giving the Rostaings a chance to produce Syrah on the limestone soils so beloved by many French growers.

"The 2022 Côte-Rôtie Côte Blonde reveals intense aromas of cedar, blackberry, black cherry, graphite and a slice of orange rind. Full-bodied and structured by firm tannins with a hint of vanilla, the 2022 provides marked wood tannins that slightly detract from its elegance. Built like a brick wall, the Côte Blonde will require the most time to come around among Rostaing's 2022s. Fermented with 100% whole clusters, it promises great complexity with patience." Vinous 94-96

98% Syrah, 2% Viognier