2019 Côte-Rôtie, La Belle Hélène, Domaine Michel & Stéphane Ogier, Rhône

Stéphane is one of the leading new-generation producers in the Northern Rhône. Trained in Beaune, he brings his Burgundian approach to the Côte-Rôtie with his approach to terroir, vinifying all of his parcels separately. This is the only of his wines not named after the lieu-dit (Côte Rozier); instead, it is named after his mother. It comes from the oldest vines on his estate. The soils here are schist, and generally produce more powerful, structured wines. The 2019 vintage saw some extremes of heat, and the wines produced showed good density and structure. Stéphane's wines showed good freshness too.

This is generally the most powerful of his wines due to the schist soils. The wines are made with 100% whole bunches, and tend to see around 24 months in barrel and more new oak than his other cuvées. Both these winemaking practices help to soften the tannins. This is deep and brooding, with gently spiced notes and velvet-like tannins. It has violet floral notes, with a hint of plum and some savoury tapenade. It will age beautifully in the cellar.