Syrah, Dom Rene Rostaing 'Les Lezardes'

The estate dates to 1971, but rose to real prominence in the early ‘90s after founder René Rostaing inherited a treasury of prime vineyards from two of Cote Rotie’s early giants; his father-in-law, Albert Dervieux, and uncle, Marius Gentaz. René’s son, Pierre, today tends over 7.5ha of vines in 14 climats, including some of Côte Rôtie’s most revered vineyards such as La Landonne, Côte Blonde, La Viallière, and Côte Brune. Winemaking follows the classical model. Up to 100% of the stems are used depending on vintage and ripeness. An extended, gentle maceration is followed by aging in a mix of pièce and demi-muid, with only about 10-15% new.

Aromas of ripe dark fruit, spicecake, succulent herbs and candied flowers; a smoky mineral element adds verve. Sweet, palate-coating blueberry, dark cherry, allspice and smoky bacon flavors deepen steadily as the wine opens up. Broad, seamless and lively in character, finishing with strong, spicy cut and mounting tannins that meld slowly with the wine's lingering fruit.