Côte Rôtie „Les Binardes“ AOC 2020

Wine Description for Côte Rôtie „Les Binardes“ AOC 2020 by Maison Stephan

Colour & Appearance

Deep purple with violet reflections and a black core – a wine that reveals its concentration immediately in the glass.

Nose

Seductively dense and multi-layered. Juicy blackberries and black cherries meld with plums and sloe berries, whilst surprising notes of blood oranges and bergamot provide complexity. Beneath lies an aromatic tapestry of mint, juniper, liquorice and a hint of pepper as well as bresaola. Floating above are floral accents of violet and lilac – an aromatic profile that marries classical Côte-Rôtie elegance with modern precision.

Palate

Here the true class of this wine reveals itself: dense, ripe and almost creamy in texture, with impressive extract sweetness. The concentrated dark fruit is threaded through with vibrant freshness – the Viognier component makes itself felt here and lends the wine a particular liveliness. A lightly peppery spice accentuates the fruit, whilst silky tannins elegantly envelop the wine. Definitely decant – this wine needs air to unfold its full potential.

Terroir & Origin

The vines (vintages 1986-1994) are rooted in steep sites on leucogneiss and quartz soils, those mineral terroirs that lend Côte-Rôtie its characteristic finesse.

Grape Variety & Vinification

90% Syrah, 10% Viognier – the classic Côte-Rôtie blend. Maison Stephan works according to the principles of Jules Chauvet: 24-hour cool pre-fermentation, ten days of carbonic maceration, twelve months ageing in used barrels. Unfiltered, unfined and only minimally sulphited – an authentic, artisanally produced wine.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Venison loin with juniper reduction, green bacon beans and Jerusalem artichoke purée; hare in slow gin and cranberry reduction; pigeon in coffee jus with potato and celery purée. Generally, this Côte-Rôtie harmonises beautifully with game and game birds.

Special Characteristics

A natural Côte-Rôtie that masterfully balances power and elegance, concentration and drinkability. Minimal intervention in the cellar allows terroir and vintage to speak unadulterated.