2021 Northern Rhône

Although Domaine Ogier is based in Ampuis in the Northern Rhône, Stéphane has made a very savvy investment in the South. From a site near Cairanne he produces this brilliant value Côtes du Rhône. It delivers fantastically juicy, lightly grippy length, with an abundance of sweet red fruit flavours, thanks to the 60% Grenache in the blend, which is filled out with 40% Syrah. It is pleasingly rich and ripe for 2021, with vibrant freshness. Early drinking and full of joy.

2021 is a vintage of extremes in Condrieu: drastically small quantities (frost) yet soaring quality. This example from Ogier is bright, balanced, lithe and complex. At 12.5% ABV it is fine and refreshing.

This Vin de Pays comes from vineyards situated just behind the hillside of Côte-Rôtie, on the same granitic soils as the famous slope, but with a south-west exposure. It is dark, leafy, and svelte. It’s a great introduction to Stéphane’s Northern Rhône range. A mini-Côte-Rôtie.

This comes from the northern part of the long appellation of St Joseph, in the part that borders Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie. It is dark and brooding, with notes of salty black olive tapenade and cassis fruit, with full, grippy tannins. It will need a little time.