2020 Rene Rostaing Syrah Les Lezardes

Domaine Rene Rostaing is a 20-acre estate in the Cote Rotie and Condrieu, in France’s Rhone Valley, and it is considered something of a cult Rhone producer. Having learned winemaking from his father-in-law and uncle, both legendary Rhone Valley wine producers, Rene Rostaing made his first independent cuvees in 1971. After the retirement of his father-in-law, Albert Dervieux, and his uncle, Marius Gentaz-Dervieux, Rostaing acquired their old vine vineyards, which are some of the finest holdings in the Cote-Rotie. About a decade ago Rostaing also purchased property in the Coteaux du Languedoc near Nimes. Rostaing’s wines are made in the classic tradition of the area. His various Cote Roties typically earn high marks from critics. Besides his Syrah-based reds, he makes a Viognier.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.