2023 Rene Rostaing Ampodium Cote-Rotie, Northern Rhone

A blend of all the parcels owned by Rostaing and vinified with some 90% whole clusters, the 2023 Côte-Rôtie Ampodium is lifted and expressive, revealing aromas of grapefruit, dark berries, spice and violet, subtly framed by oak. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and structured, it is built around a firm tannic spine that carries through to a long, mineral finish. Still very young, it will require time in bottle to fully unfold and integrate.

94 points The Wine Advocate

Few wines capture the essence of Côte Rôtie as completely as Ampodium. Rather than showcasing a single vineyard, René Rostaing draws fruit from a remarkable collection of parcels scattered across the appellation, creating a wine that reflects the personality of Côte Rôtie as a whole. It has become the benchmark introduction to one of the Rhône Valley's greatest regions, combining fragrance, structure and savoury complexity in equal measure.

Rostaing's influence on modern Côte Rôtie is difficult to overstate. Through vineyards inherited from the legendary Albert Dervieux and Marius Gentaz, he helped preserve many of the traditions that make the appellation unique while refining a style built on purity and balance rather than extraction or power. The superb 2023 vintage delivered fruit of exceptional aromatic detail and freshness, allowing Ampodium to express both the elegance of Côte Blonde and the structure of Côte Brune.

Deep ruby with youthful purple highlights, the bouquet is immediately captivating, revealing blackberry, black cherry and dark plum layered with violet, cracked pepper and smoked herbs. As the wine evolves, notes of olive tapenade, bacon fat, graphite and exotic spice emerge, creating layers of unmistakable Northern Rhône character. The palate is beautifully proportioned, combining dark berry fruits with fine tannins and vibrant acidity. There is a wonderful sense of energy beneath the wine's concentration, while the finish lingers with savoury spice, floral perfume and mineral detail.

This is a magnificent companion for roast lamb, venison loin, duck with olives, mushroom pithivier or slow braised beef cheeks. While already highly expressive with a generous decant, the wine possesses the pedigree and balance to reward patient cellaring for many years to come.