2022 Dm de La Roche Paradis Cote Rotie Rozier, Northern Rhone

Domaine de La Roche Paradis Côte-Rôtie Rozier is an elegant, aromatic and finely detailed Syrah from one of Côte-Rôtie’s most historic and steeply terraced lieux-dits. Crafted by Yann Menager, a hands-on grower and quietly influential winemaker, this wine is a testament to artisan viticulture and minimal intervention in one of the Rhône Valley’s most iconic appellations.

The Rozier vineyard lies just above the famous La Landonne and Côte Brune sectors, with schist-rich soils and a dramatic incline that requires all vineyard work to be done manually. Yann farms organically with biodynamic influences, using no chemical inputs and harvesting entirely by hand. His winemaking is gentle and intuitive: whole bunch fermentation with native yeasts, no additions, élevage in neutral barrels, and minimal sulphur only at bottling.

In the glass, Rozier is perfumed and savoury, showing lifted aromatics of crushed blackberries, violet, smoked meat, cracked pepper, and dried herbs. The palate is medium-bodied but taut and precise, with a coiled core of dark fruit, saline minerality and fine tannins. There’s a quiet intensity to this wine — it doesn’t shout, but it lingers with finesse and depth.

Perfect with grilled duck breast, rosemary lamb, or lentils with smoked paprika. While expressive now with air, this Côte-Rôtie will age beautifully for 10 to 15 years, gaining earth, spice and complexity over time.