2022 René Rostaing Côte-Rôtie Côte Blonde, Northern Rhone

The 2022 Côte Rôtie Côte Blonde is another more medium to full-bodied, elegant 2022 in the vintage. It doesn't have the sheer depth and density of the 2020 (it will easily be a step up over the 2021) but nevertheless has a powerful, concentrated style carrying ample red and black fruits, lots of spicy, floral notes, ultra-fine tannins, and a focused, precise style on the palate. I wouldn't be surprised to see it put on weight over the course of its élevage, and it's going to need short-term cellaring to show its full potential.

95-97 pts, Jeb Dunnuck, Review Date: 03/2024

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. Drink: 2032-2042

94 points Nicolas Greinacher vinous.com

Gently fragrant jasmine and rose, very Côte Blonde in terms of aromatics. Soft, velvety mouthfeel with flavours of blackberry, cassis and more rose. Slightly higher alcohol and lower acidity than a typical year, not as tense and upright as some recent vintages, making for a luxurious,  rich style of Côte-Rôtie. Four weeks in tank, 18 months in oak, limited new oak, natural yeasts and as many stems as possible. Drink: 2026-2038

95 points Matt Walls decanter.com

René Rostaing Côte-Rôtie Côte Blonde from the Northern Rhône is a wine that captivates with its elegance and depth, a true reflection of the prestigious Côte-Rôtie terroir. The colour is a deep, almost mystical ruby with hints of purple, glistening in the glass, hinting at the wine’s age-worthiness and complexity.

On the nose, this wine is a bouquet of intoxicating aromas. It opens with an alluring mix of ripe dark fruits like blackberry and black cherry, followed by layers of floral notes—violets and roses that add a delicate perfume. There’s an earthy depth too, with hints of smoked meats, white pepper, and a whisper of the surrounding forest, bringing to mind a brisk walk through Rhône's rugged hills. Subtle nuances of leather, cured meats, and a touch of exotic spices emerge, alluding to its time spent maturing in oak barrels.

On the palate, the René Rostaing Côte-Rôtie Côte Blonde is nothing short of spectacular. It’s full-bodied yet graceful, with velvety tannins that melt smoothly into a seamless structure. The fruit flavors are vibrant, with blackberry, black currant, and a subtle cherry pit bitterness that balances the richness. The oak influence is there but never overpowers, adding just a hint of toast and vanilla. As the wine opens up, the complexity deepens with earthy undertones, minerals, and a touch of roasted coffee bean. It’s a wine that evolves in the glass, revealing new layers as it breathes. The finish is long, with a lingering freshness that’s both vibrant and sophisticated, leaving you craving the next sip.

This wine is perfect with a charcuterie platter, roasted game, or a classic côte de boeuf, where its complexity and depth can truly shine.