Rene Rostaing's Ampodium is a Côte Rôtie assembled from parcels across the appellation, and it stands with the region's finest, a proper expression of what Northern Rhone Syrah can be. The wine carries the structure and minerality you'd expect from this terroir, with the kind of mid-palate density that makes the glass disappear. This is serious stuff without the pretense.
Winemaker Notes
The flagship red, Ampodium (formerly known as “Classique”), is assembled from parcels throughout Côte Rôtie. It is a terrific expression of the appellation, and by itself rivals the appellation’s best.
Professional Ratings
93
VinousThe 2023 Côte-Rôtie Ampodium breathes out alluring orange rind, crushed violets, fresh-cut ripe blackberry, red plum and fragments of black cherry. Stemmy tones add more complexity. Round and concentrated, the 2023 hits the mid-bodied palate with immaculate fresh clarity, easing the last impressions with juicy dark cherries and finely expressed spicy tones.
About the Producer
Thanks to The Rare Co. for its contribution to the following: The story of the resurgence of the Northern Rhone has parallels to other now iconic wine regions – perhaps Piedmont most notably – that for many years languished in semi-obscurity among wine's cogniescenti . Like Barolo, the Northern Rhone was barely a blip in the greater wine world’s consciousness by the post-WWII era. During that time, historic vineyards were abandoned, or only worked on weekends while their owners made their living in nearby factories, or in other agriculture.
