Stéphane Ogier Saint Joseph Le Passage Rouge 2021

Stéphane Ogier is based in the Ampuis hills of the northern Rhône, where he combines the tradition of Côte Rôtie with techniques learned in Burgundy. Le Passage Rouge is a Saint-Joseph Syrah from a single vineyard, planted more than thirty years ago on granite soils. Decomposed granite drains freely and warms quickly, giving the vines a well-drained, low-vigour base that concentrates the fruit, while the northern Rhône climate and cool nights keep acidity firm and the aromatics precise. Older vines add depth and evenness to the crop. The wine ages eighteen months in French oak, softening the tannins through slow oxygen exchange and adding a fine savoury frame. The colour is deep purple. The nose leads with dark plum and blackberry, cracked black pepper, smoked meat, olive and violet. The palate is full bodied, with ripe dark fruit, firm but polished tannins and a long, peppery, mineral finish, carried by the higher alcohol of a warm vintage. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted for an hour, in a large glass. It is made for red meat and game.