La Roche Paradis Cote Rotie 'Rozier' 2021

Made from 100% Syrah in the lieu-dit of Rozier (Côte Brune) with a perfect south-west exposition from 21 year-old vines. The wine was fermented with about 50% whole bunches and then matured for 13 months in 1, 2 and 3 year-old barriques. A very fresh and aromatic style of Côte Rôtie from soils of schist and brown, iron oxide-rich clay on this superb site. How great Côte Rôtie used to be, deep yet elegant and perfumed, with lovely mid-palate volume and a long complex finish, framed by fine silky tannins and refreshing acidity. Only 120 dozens produced.

Domaine de la Roche Paradis is a tiny estate owned by Yann Menager the vineyard manager of Yves Cuilleron for the last 18+ years. Yann has slowly put together 5ha of superbly sited small vineyard holdings including some 60+ yo Syrah vines in St Joseph planted on granite in the granitic southfacing La Madone vineyard beside Malleval. His Condrieu is planted on mica-schist in a south-facing ampitheatre near Malleval. Tiny quantities of all wines are made with a light touch emphasising freshness and balance with 20-30% whole-bunch and little if any new oak. Similar to PYCM he does all vineyard work himself and keeps production limited to between 5-10 barrels of each wine. A great discovery for northern Rhone wines with an emphasis on freshness and detail from great terroirs.