Beautifully Mature Syrah
Not counting the much larger Guigal domaine, René Rostaing is the closest thing to a true cult star that Côte-Rôtie has yet produced. A grower since 1971, his first vineyard purchases were a microscopic half acre each in Côte Blonde and in La Landonne on the Côte Brune. The real breakthrough came when his father-in-law, Albert Dervieux-Thaize retired in 1990, followed by his uncle Marius Gentaz-Dervieux three years later. Between these two legendary growers, Rostaing acquired over ten acres of very old vine Syrah in some of the appellation’s top sites. The vineyard expansion also enabled René to quit his day job in 1991, and to devote himself full time to winemaking.
Today, Rostaing can boast 20+ acres of the finest vineyards in and around Côte-Rôtie. The wealth of vineyard holdings results in an astonishing array of wines. From several parcels of old vines immediately adjoining Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu, Rostaing produces a gorgeous non-appellation white and red called Les Lezardes. The red, pure Syrah and a hedonistic beauty is one of the legends of the region.
“René Rostaing is one of Côte Rôtie’s most masterful growers…”
~ Robert Parker
“The Rostaing touch is evident in the perfumed fruits and elegant, silky tannins….”
~ Andrew Jeffords
2015 Domaine Rostaing Les Lezardes Syrah
Bright violet. Ripe black and blue fruits and pungent flowers on the highly perfumed, mineral- and spice-accented nose. Juicy and seamless in texture, offering sweet blueberry and cassis flavors along with hints of cracked pepper and olive paste. Fine-grained tannins build slowly on a very long, smooth finish that leaves hints of licorice and candied violet behind. Drink 2020 – 2026
~ Josh Raynolds, Vinous
$39.99