Côte-Rôtie, the roasted slope, lies at just about the most northern end of the northern Rhône and therefore near to the limit where the syrah grape can ripen. Even today, with a warmer climate, good Côte-Rôtie vintages don't come around often.
But in 2020, the roasted slope struck gold. The vintage was truly exceptional and here we have wines from four top estates: Domaines Ogier and Gérin, and a welcome return of Domaine Barge. The newcomer to The Society is Jean-Luc Jamet whose wines I found deeply expressive. I am delighted to offer their wines to members in bond.
Order by midday on Thursday 9th March
Recent hot summers have been good for Côte-Rôtie. 2020, though, stands out above the others as quite exceptional. This is because its evident concentration is matched by a sense of purity and freshness, the result of heatwaves and cool August nights, and then perfect weather during harvest.
In short, it was a perfect vintage. Quantities are not large, and these wines have fans the world over. But for lovers of Côte-Rôtie, 2020 is a year not to be missed.
Marcel Orford-Williams
Buyer for the Rhône