Domaine René Rostaing - Côte Blonde 2023
Côte Blonde 2023 from Domaine René Rostaing stands out as the most airy and sensual expression of Côte-Rôtie, made from old vines planted on the bright and sunny slopes of the famous blonde hill. The deep ruby robe with violet reflections announces a wine of breadth, but the initial nose captivates with its finesse, featuring aromas of ripe raspberry, juicy cherry, and blackcurrant, accented by notes of violet and rose. In the background, hints of white peach and fruit pit emerge, a subtle signature of the presence of Viognier in the blend. The palate is immediately caressing, with a silky texture that envelops the mouth without ever weighing it down. Freshness extends the fruit and highlights aromatic precision more than power. The spicy framework, delicately peppery, adds relief and depth. The finish, long and clear, leaves an impression of great elegance and purity.
Upon aeration, Côte Blonde 2023 gains complexity and reveals nuances of peony, subtle smokiness, and fine notes of licorice that further enrich the bouquet. The terroir of mica schists and gneiss brings a refined minerality felt in the wine's uprightness and texture. The parcel-by-parcel vinification and precise barrel aging, with perfectly integrated wood, polish the tannins without ever overpowering the fruit. The tannins, just ripe and extremely fine, provide a velvety grain that dresses the mouth with great delicacy. The body remains ample but always supported by a fresh backbone, giving the wine remarkable verticality. Overall, it offers a sensation of controlled depth, density without heaviness. Here is René Rostaing's signature: a classic, precise style that seeks finesse before demonstration.
Côte Blonde 2023 is a great wine for aging and gastronomy, perfectly at ease on the most refined tables. It will beautifully accompany a grilled beef fillet, roasted pigeon, herb-fed milk lamb, or delicately prepared game dishes. Its floral dimension and satin texture also allow it to shine with more subtle cuisine, such as pink veal, truffled free-range poultry, or vegetable dishes with mushrooms and roasted vegetables. In its youth, it charms with its fruit brightness, captivating aroma, and softness of tannins, especially after decanting. With a few years in the cellar, it will develop aromas of fine leather, blond tobacco, light truffle, and dried flowers while retaining its fresh framework. This is a Côte-Rôtie of high precision, both classy, sensual, and deeply rooted in its terroir, embodying the most refined dimension of the estate.
Grape varieties: 95% Syrah, 5% Viognier
