Domaine de la Roche Paradis is one of the most exciting young estates in Ampuis, led by vigneron Yann Menager. Founded in 2012, the domaine works steep, hand-terraced amphitheaters in the northern sector of Côte-Rôtie, an appellation famous for producing some of the world's most aromatic, elegant, and mineral-driven Syrah. The "Rozier" cuvée comes from a single plot in the celebrated lieu-dit Rozier, set on steep south- and southeast-facing slopes of dark mica-schist.

The 2020 vintage in Côte-Rôtie delivered outstanding phenolic ripeness while preserving remarkable freshness and aromatic lift. The fruit was harvested by hand with rigorous sorting on the slopes, then fermented with native yeasts in open-top vats with a portion of whole clusters. Aging lasted 18 to 22 months in French oak barriques and demi-muids. The result is a powerful yet ethereal Côte-Rôtie, pairing dark brambly fruit with the appellation's signature notes of cured meat, crushed violet, black pepper, and smoky schist.

Why You'll Love It

• A boutique, single-vineyard expression from steep mica-schist terraces in northern Ampuis.
• Classic Côte-Rôtie perfume on the nose: crushed violets, cassis, bacon fat, black pepper, and graphite.
• The warm 2020 vintage gives the palate rich, velvety dark berry fruit framed by fine, chalky tannins.
• A superb balance of power, spice, and silkiness, with a long, savory finish.
• Built for the cellar, with the structure to reward patience well into the next decade.

How To Serve It

• Serve at a cool room temperature, between 60°F and 63°F.
• Decant for 1 to 1.5 hours to let its mineral and savory aromatics open up.
• Pour into Bordeaux stems to frame its peppery, perfumed bouquet.
• Pair with herb-roasted rack of lamb, venison loin with juniper, seared duck breast, or a wild mushroom risotto.