Domaine Rostaing 'Ampodium' Cote-Rotie 2020

Domaine Rostaing 'Ampodium' Côte-Rôtie 2020 is an exceptionally elegant, structured, and quintessential Northern Rhône red wine produced by the legendary René Rostaing and his son Pierre. Crafted from old Syrah vines sourced from over 13 distinct lieux-dits across the appellation, this signature cuvée undergoes whole-cluster fermentation with ambient yeasts followed by aging in large demi-muids. In the glass, it presents an impressively dark ruby hue accompanied by lifted, complex aromas of black raspberry, crushed violets, cassis, cured olives, and cracked black pepper. On the palate, it is medium-to-full-bodied and velvety, balancing rich dark fruit flavors and fine-grained, assertive tannins with vibrant Atlantic-like freshness and a long, mineral-tinged finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with roasted rack of lamb, pan-seared duck breast, venison loin with berry reduction, wild mushroom ragù, and braised beef short ribs.

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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.