Domaine Rostaing 2020 'Ampodium' Cote-Rotie AOC

Domaine Rostaing 2020 'Ampodium' Cote-Rotie AOC

Item Number: 18101

UPC: None

Country: France
Region: Rhone
Sub Region: Northern Rhone
Appellation/AVA: Cote-Rotie AOC
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vintage: 2020
Grape(s): 99% Syrah / 1% Viognier
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 14.5
Viticulture: Practicing Organic
Soil Type: Schist
Case Production: 1800

About the Estate: René Rostaing launched this estate in 1971, but continued to split his time between wine and real estate for another 20 years. René inherited the vineyards from two of the appellation’s historical titans, his father-in-law, Albert Dervieux and then his uncle, the legendary Marius Gentaz, between 1989 and 1992. From these two, he also learned to value the noble style of classic Côte-Rôtie.

Since 2015, the domaine has been managed by René’s son, Pierre. Along with Jamet, Rostaing may have the finest vineyard holdings in private hands in Côte-Rôtie. Pierre works over 7.5+ ha, in 14+ lieux-dits, including 1.6 ha in La Landonne, 1.2 ha in La Viallière, 1.0 ha in Côte Blonde, and 0.3 ha in Côte Brune. A majority of the vines were planted in the 1960s and 1970s, but some of the Viallière vines exceed 100 years old. In addition, he has a choice 1.0 ha in Condrieu, and works a 10 ha site in the Côteaux du Languedoc.

Pierre adapts his methods to the vintage. Viticulture is lutte raisonée, with no artificial fertilizers or herbicides employed. Grapes are harvested by hand, reds are not generally destemmed, and fermentations proceed with their indigenous yeasts. Average yields are around 30hl/ha.

Winemaking Notes: Maceration can vary from 7-20 days. The wine is aged in a mix of 225 and 600 liter barrels (about 7% new). Ampodium is their flagship red. Assembled from parcels throughout Côte Rôtie, it is a terrific expression of the appellation and by itself rivals the appellation’s best.

Tasting Notes: " Pierre Rostaing has been shortening the cuvaison for this cuvée, and the 2020 Cote Rotie Ampodium received closer to three weeks on the skins than four. It's still impressively dark and rich, with scents of black olives, violets, raspberries and a touch of orange zest. Medium to full-bodied and velvety in feel, it looks like a strong year for the estate's blended wine. Drink between 2023-2032." - Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate, 2022

"René Rostaing is one of Côte-Rôtie’s most masterful growers.” - Robert Parker

Reviews

  • Jeb Dunnuck
    Rating: 94 (12/15/2022)
    The base Côte Rôtie from Rostaing seems to always deliver, and the 2020 Côte Rôtie Ampodium might be the best yet. Deep purple-hued, with a brilliant nose of black raspberries, spring flowers, camphor, scorched earth, and graphite, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a round, lush mouthfeel, and building tannins. I've always thought the 2010 was the greatest vintage for this cuvée, but this is going to give it a run for its money.
  • The Wine Advocate
    Rating: (91-93) (1/20/2022)
    Pierre Rostaing has been shortening the cuvaison for this cuvée, and the 2020 Cote Rotie Ampodium received closer to three weeks on the skins than four. It's still impressively dark and rich, with scents of black olives, violets, raspberries and a touch of orange zest. Medium to full-bodied and velvety in feel, it looks like a strong year for the estate's blended wine.