Côte Rôtie, Ampodium, 2019
Rich but gently extracted ripe, dark fruit with autumnal smoky notes, coal dust and spice. Through the middle of the palate there is a bright touch, a hint of red cherry piercing through the shade, before reverting to a more indulgent finish of sun-warmed fruits steeped in spices and liqueur. Open and engaging fruit with a solid tannic foundation. As ever a minimum of 90% whole bunch fermentation was used to keep the wine as fresh as possible. A blend of top-quality vineyards across the estate including Tupin and Viaillere, all fermented with whole bunches and aged in large demi-muid casks, a maximum of 10% of which are new.
critic reviews
Deep violet color. Ripe blackberry and cherry on the floral- and spice-accented nose. Shows fine definition and appealing sweetness on the palate, offering juicy dark fruit and floral pastille flavors and a peppery overtone. Closes long and lively, with repeating cherry and spice notes and even tannins that lend subtle grip.
An opulent, rich vintage of this cuvee, the 2019 Cote Rotie Ampodium still offers up nicely detailed, intricate floral notes layered atop raspberries and mocha. Medium to full-bodied, it's velvety and lush, with plenty of length on the finish. It should drink well for more than a decade.