Côte Rôtie Ampodium
2020
René Rostaing is known as a Côte Rôtie Specialist, renowned for producing tiny quantities of extraordinarily refined Côte Rôtie wines, which in the words of Robert Parker are "reminiscent of Grand Cru Burgundy in their delicacy, elegance and sublime qualities." René started out in 1971, with less than half a hectare of Côte Rôtie vineyards split between the Côte Blonde and La Landonne. His breakthrough was in 1990 when he inherited highly prized vineyards from his father-in-law Albert...
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Rostaing's Cuvée 'Ampodium' (formerly named 'Classique') takes its name from the original Roman name for the town of Ampuis where the winery is situated. It is a blend of 13 different parcels, which creates a complex, multifaceted expression of Côte Rôtie. Yields are very low and the wine is aged primarily in old 600L demi-muid barrels.
Saturated ruby. Highly perfumed aromas of ripe dark berries, cherry, olive and pungent flowers are sharpened by a suggestion of black pepper. Supple and appealingly sweet, offering concentrated black raspberry, cherry-cola and violet pastille flavors and a suggestion of star anise. Finishes pliant, sweet and focused on the penetrating finish, showing smooth tannins and excellent tenacity.
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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.
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This is very solidly built, nearly bristling with briary energy along the edges while the core of steeped plum, cherry and currant fruit cruises through. Mouthwatering savory, tobacco and olive notes score the finish, all set against a lovely floral accent in the background.
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Deep violet color. Ripe blackberry and cherry on the floral- and spice-accented nose. Shows fine definition and appealing sweetness on the palate, offering juicy dark fruit and floral pastille flavors and a peppery overtone. Closes long and lively, with repeating cherry and spice notes and even tannins that lend subtle grip.
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Looking like a very good year for this blend, which is concentrated, lively and juicy, with plenty of assertive but fine tannin which suggest waiting a while. Hard to make a definitive judgement on tasting just two barrels, but this is looking very promising. Four weeks in tank, 18 months in oak (limited new), with natural yeasts and as many stems as possible..
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Gently steeped cherry and plum notes form the core in this red, while light floral, white pepper and red licorice accents fill in along the edges. A long, subtle sanguine thread stitches up the savory finish.
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Deep, brilliant violet. A mineral-tinged bouquet evokes ripe black and blue fruits, peony and licorice, and a peppery flourish builds as the wine opens up. Shows impressive energy on the palate, offering juicy boysenberry and cherry compote flavors complemented by suggestions of spicecake and candied licorice. Sweet and seamless in texture, finishing on a lingering floral note, with impressive energy and smooth, harmonious tannins.
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Bright violet. Expressive black and blue fruit, floral pastille and peppery spice aromas display a bright mineral quality and a suggestion of woodsmoke. Intense blueberry and bitter cherry flavors show excellent clarity and spicy lift, picking up star anise and cola nuances on the back half. Delivers a serious punch of dark fruit flavor but comes off surprisingly lithe, and finishes with smooth tannins and strong tenacity.
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