2022 Rene Rostaing Ampodium Cote-Rotie Half Bottle 375ml, Northern Rhone

Tasted from multiple barrels, the 2022 Côte Rôtie Ampodium will easily be an outstanding wine. All of the barrels had saturated purple hues, terrific purity, lots of both red and blue fruits, integrated oak, and ripe, polished tannins. It's going to be a smoking good base cuvée from this talented family.

91-93 points jebdunnuck.com

The taut 2022 Côte-Rôtie Ampodium reveals black cherry, red plum, crushed violets and a touch of cedar on the nose. Medium-bodied with concentrated flavors, the 2022 concludes persistently with an elegant finish. More tannic than the 2023 tasted alongside, it will benefit from at least two more years in bottle.

92 points vinous.com

Rene Rostaing Ampodium is a beautifully balanced and expressive Côte Rôtie that brings together fruit from across some of the appellation’s top lieux-dits. It’s the gateway to Rostaing’s world of elegant, terroir-driven Syrah, showcasing his signature style of finesse over force, with purity and structure taking centre stage.

Ampodium—previously known simply as Côte Rôtie—is made from a blend of vineyards including La Landonne, Côte Blonde, Viallière and others, combining sites with different soil types and exposures. This allows the wine to deliver both the muscular intensity of the northern slopes and the silken perfume of the southern vineyards, creating a layered and complete expression of the appellation.

Pierre Rostaing, who now oversees the domaine after taking over from his father René, continues to work with minimal intervention. Whole bunch fermentation is a hallmark, bringing savoury complexity and firm tannin structure, while ageing in mostly used oak barrels preserves the integrity of the fruit and vineyard expression.

In the glass, Ampodium opens with aromas of violets, blackberry, smoked herbs, black olive and cracked pepper. The palate is medium bodied but deep, with supple tannins, bright acidity, and a mineral core that gives the wine lift and drive. It’s approachable young with some air but has the structure to reward 10 to 15 years in the cellar.

This is Syrah with serious pedigree that doesn’t shout. It’s perfect with duck breast, chargrilled lamb, or mushroom dishes with a smoky twist.