Patrick Jasmin Côte-Rôtie 2021

Patrick Jasmin Côte-Rôtie is a varietal Syrah from the AOC Côte Rôtie in the northern Rhône, made by Patrick and Arlette Jasmin, the fourth generation of a family farming 5.5 hectares across eleven plots on the steep terraced slopes above Ampuis. Côte-Rôtie, the roasted slope, faces south and southeast and catches strong sunlight that ripens Syrah fully despite the cool northern latitude, while the granite and schist terraces drain hard and stress the vines into low yields. Syrah grown here keeps a peppery, floral edge and a savoury, almost meaty depth that warmer regions lose. The wine is aged in oak barrel, where measured oxygen exposure softens the firm tannin and knits the fruit, spice and a fine smoky character together. It is deep red with garnet hints. The nose shows red and dark berries, cracked black pepper, black olive and a smoky, leathery undertone. The palate is medium to full bodied, fresh and structured, the tannin fine, the finish long and savoury. Serve at 17 degrees, decanting young vintages. It is a classic match for game and roast red meat.