Stéphane Montez, Côte-Rôtie La Fortis 2021

Stéphane Montez has honed his winemaking craft by working in different vineyards around the world, including England, Australia, California and South Africa. His international experience allows him today to improve centuries-old techniques in his family's vineyards to help coexist with climate change. This cuvée takes its name from “Fortis fortuna fortior”: luck reinforces valour. A blend of 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier, the vineyards are located on the steep hillsides of blond gneiss, south of Ampuis. This terroir allows the power and minerality of the Syrah to match perfectly with the fruit and roundness of the Viognier. Dark ruby ​​color, the nose has intense aromas of red fruit, blackcurrant, vanilla, and some roasted notes; moving to a very fine palate with well-rounded, almost melted tannins. Long and silky finish; drinking well now and will continue to develop over the twenty years.