Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie Ampodium 2020 (750ML)

95 VM / 94 JD / 93 DE / 91-93 WA

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. - Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media

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.--Jeb Dunnuck

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.—Matt Walls, Decanter

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.—JC, The Wine Advocate