2022 Rene Rostaing Ampodium Cote-Rotie, 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 pts, Jeb Dunnuck, Review Date: 03/2024

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. Drink: 2027-2037

92 points Nicolas Greinacher vinous.com 

René Rostaing Ampodium Côte-Rôtie from the Northern Rhône is a spectacular expression of one of the most prestigious appellations in France. Côte-Rôtie, known for its steep, terraced vineyards and its intense, aromatic wines, is a region that produces some of the finest Syrah-based wines in the world. René Rostaing, a highly regarded winemaker in the Northern Rhône, has gained international acclaim for his approach to winemaking that combines both tradition and innovation, capturing the true essence of Côte-Rôtie’s unique terroir.

Rostaing comes from a long lineage of winemakers, and over the years, he has earned a reputation for producing wines of great finesse, depth, and complexity. His approach in the vineyard is meticulous, focusing on sustainable practices and low-intervention methods to allow the natural characteristics of the grapes to shine through. The Ampodium cuvée is one of his standout wines, offering an exceptional balance between the power of Syrah and the elegance that is characteristic of Côte-Rôtie.

The Ampodium is a blend of Syrah and a small proportion of Viognier, a white grape variety traditionally co-fermented with Syrah in Côte-Rôtie to add aromatic complexity and richness. The grapes for Ampodium are sourced from some of Rostaing's finest vineyards in the northern part of Côte-Rôtie, which benefit from the region’s unique terroir of steep slopes, granite soils, and the warm winds from the Mediterranean, all contributing to the production of high-quality, expressive wines.

A deep, rich garnet color, reflecting its intensity and age-worthy potential. The nose is immediately captivating, with an aromatic complexity that mixes dark fruits such as blackberry and blackcurrant, alongside floral notes of violet and a touch of herbs. There’s also an unmistakable hint of spice, with black pepper, smoked meat, and a delicate note of leather, adding layers of depth. As the wine breathes, nuances of roasted coffee and a subtle minerality from the granite soils emerge, giving the bouquet even more complexity.

The palate, is full-bodied, yet remarkably elegant, with a silky texture and smooth tannins. The dark fruit flavors are rich and intense, while the Viognier adds a touch of floral and stone fruit richness to the mid-palate. There is a beautiful balance between the wine's ripe fruit, spice, and acidity, which gives it structure and freshness. The oak aging contributes to a soft, round mouthfeel, without overpowering the fruit. The finish is long and persistent, with lingering notes of dark fruit, spice, and earthy minerality, a hallmark of Côte-Rôtie wines.

René Rostaing Ampodium Côte-Rôtie is an excellent wine to pair with hearty, flavorful dishes. It is a natural match for roasted or grilled meats, such as lamb or beef, as well as dishes with smoky or spiced flavors, like barbecue or braised short ribs. The wine also pairs beautifully with strong cheeses like aged Gruyère or blue cheese.