2022 St Véran, La Côte-Rotie, Olivier Merlin, Burgundy

Pretty and airy aromas include mineral reduction, white floral, and poached pear, along with a background hint of just sliced citrus. The suave and gorgeously textured medium-bodied flavours exude an appealing stony character on the intense, long, and nicely complex finale, where the only reproach is a trace of warmth. This is also worth considering.

Drink 2027

The 2022 Saint-Véran Côte-Rôtie, whose southerly exposure is reined in by the altitude on very white, almost chalky limestone soils. This is well-defined on the nose, and the terroir is articulated clearly, more oyster shell-tinged than other cuvees. The palate is nicely balanced with good density, quite Pouilly-Fuissé in style, with just a slight bitterness on the finish.

Drink 2025 - 2036

The vines are on the plateau part of Côte Rôtie, on 41B rootstock, so it is important not to let these grapes stay on the vine too long - don’t let it get too much above 13% alcohol, says Olivier—pale lemon in colour. The bouquet here is very fine and smothers the oak. This wine has a beautiful texture with an excellent fruit-acid balance. It is very stylish and continues to improve in the glass.

Drink 2025 - 2029