2019 Syrah La Rosine, Collines Rhodaniennes, Domaine Stéphane Ogier

Here Stéphane creates a wine that is as close as one can get to enjoying Côte Rôtie when actually drinking a wine from a less grand appellation. The vines lie just on the other side of the border, on a granite slope that links Côte Rôtie and Condrieu. Aged for 12 months in 1-5 year-old oak barrels, colour is deep purple-ruby, with delicately floral aromas of ripe black fruits with a hint of black olive. Palate is ebullient and charming, with a wonderful, suave texture and a line of freshness from start to its long finish. A seriously smart buy, at £15.50 per bottle in bond (for drinking 2021-2025+).