Juniper, violet and pepper notes mingle out front before the core of kirsch and plum fruit arrives, turning this into a juicy ball of anise-tinged deliciousness, with an echo of garrigue through the finish. Drink now through 2025. Wine Spectator, 91 Points

WINE INFORMATION

Stéphane Ogier is a reference point winery in the Côte-Rôtie appellation of France’s Northern Rhône Valley. For seven generations, the Ogier family has been rooted in the village of Ampuis, a charming town founded in Gallo-Roman times and located about 25 miles from Lyon. From the age of six, Stéphane knew he wanted to follow in his winemaker father’s footsteps. In 1997, after completing his oenological studies in Beaune, Stéphane formally joined the family estate.

The Domaine produces wines from 27 acres of vineyards in some of the most famous Côte-Rôtie areas along with this Côtes du Rhône, a Condrieu, a St Joseph and several Syrah wines (L’Ame Soeur, La Rosine). In 20 years, total production has grown from 1,250 cases to 25,000 cases. In 2015, a new 18,000 square foot winery and cellar was built overlooking the beautiful slopes of Ampuis.

Grapes for this wine come from 30-50 year old vines in the Plan de Dieu & Visan (around the village of Violès), two areas of the Southern Rhône. The vines are densely planted resulting in low yields. Grapes are harvested by hand and then double sorted (in both the vineyard and winery). Whole bunch fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled concrete tanks using natural yeasts. The wine is then aged 10 months in concrete and is recommended for between 5-8 years of aging potential.

Charcuterie, Cheese, Chicken/Turkey, Duck, Grilled preparations, Hearty stew, Lamb, Mushrooms, Pizza, Pork, Roasted Root Vegetables, Sausage, Tapas, Tomato Sauce, Vegetables, Wild Game