2022 Domaine Rostaing, Cote Rotie, Cote Blonde

Gently fragrant jasmine and rose, very Côte Blonde in terms of aromatics. Soft, velvety mouthfeel with flavours of blackberry, cassis and more rose. Slightly higher alcohol and lower acidity than a typical year, not as tense and upright as some recent vintages, making for a luxurious, rich style of Côte-Rôtie. Four weeks in tank, 18 months in oak, limited new oak, natural yeasts and as many stems as possible.

Using 100% whole-clusters during fermentation, the 2022 Côte-Rôtie Côte Blonde totally shines. Pronounced blackberry, black cherry, raspberry, pencil shavings, cedar and orange blossom nuances race out of the glass. Minty traces complement the complex aromatic profile. The 2022 Côte Blonde hits the palate with striking inner energy and concentration. Firmly built like a skyscraper, it will demand extended time in the cellar once bottled.

Cask sample. Not hugely expressive but showing some sweet spice, dark fruits, blood and fruit cake. The palate is chewy and intense with firm tannic backbone and meaty spice – some fleshy breadth on the palate but always with taut structure. The wood is well integrated and the meaty game elements come through towards the long finish. (AC)