Stephane Ogier “Le Temps est Perdu”

CÔTES DU RHÔNE, France | 2023

Stéphane Ogier returned to the family domaine in 1997 after studying in Burgundy, joining his father, Michel, to work the family vineyards in Ampuis. He quickly transformed the domaine into one of the benchmark estates in Côte-Rôtie, and today works from a striking winery just south of Ampuis, watched over by the steep terraces of the northern Rhône.

For “Le Temps Est Venu,” Ogier works with purchased fruit from the southern Rhône, sourced largely from vines in Violès on the Plan de Dieu, with additional fruit from Visan. He has also built a second winery in the southern Rhône, allowing him to work closer to the vineyards rather than transporting the grapes north to Ampuis.

The 2022 is a blend of roughly 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah from vines averaging 30 to 50 years old, planted on limestone and blue clay soils. The grapes are hand harvested, sorted in the vineyard and cellar, then spontaneously fermented as whole bunches in concrete. The wine is aged for 10 months in concrete tanks, preserving freshness and purity.

It shows black raspberry, red currant, dark cherry, and violet, with notes of pepper, dried herbs, and garrigue. Medium bodied and fresh, with fine tannins and a long, mouthwatering finish, this is a terrific example of how much character and value Côtes du Rhône can deliver in the right hands. Beautiful with herb roasted lamb or grilled sausage with lentils.