Stephane Ogier Cote Rotie Mes Grands Lieux 2016 (750ml) *

Northern Rhône Syrah at its most perfumed comes from Côte Rôtie, where a small proportion of white Viognier is often co-fermented with the red grape to lift the aromatics. That is exactly what Stephane Ogier has done in this 2016 bottling of Mes Grands Lieux, a blend of 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier. Where the 2015 leaned toward power, this vintage is built around finesse: medium-bodied, polished, and clearly meant to reward patience.

Give it a little air and the aromatics unfold in layers, ripe red and black fruit, cracked pepper and peppery herbs, dried violets, and a leafy, citric edge that keeps everything lively. The tannins are refined rather than assertive, the mouthfeel pure and lifted, and the finish carries with real length and balance. This is a complete, harmonious Côte Rôtie that will continue to develop over the next decade and beyond.