I was blown away by the completeness of the 2016 Cote Rotie la Landonne from barrel. Incredible floral aromas bring both violets and roses to mind, plus layers of raspberry fruit and complex spice notes. It’s medium to full-bodied with a terrific, silky mouthfeel and a long, long finish. Drink: 2021-2040. 97-99 points
I was greeted by Pierre Rostaing, who is increasingly present at the domaine. Pierre studied in Montpellier and has been managing the family’s Languedoc estate, so it is no surprise that he’s taking on more importance here in Côte-Rôtie. He points out that while 2016 had a wet, difficult beginning, the weather was cooperative after mid-June and it ended up being ”a very nice vintage.” Unlike recent years it was relatively late, with harvest starting on September 22 and concluding October 9. The 2016s are classically proportioned and silky in style, without lacking depth or richness. In addition to the wines reviewed below, I also tasted barrels from Viallière and Neve, which Rostaing said might be sold as additional single-parcel wines. Finally, while the 2016s look extremely promising from barrel, the stars here are the wines from 2015, which combine incredible power with seamless elegance.”
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (234)
Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie History, Overview
Rene Rostaing produced their first wine in 1971. But it took almost 3 decades before wine became a full time occupation for Rene Rostaing. The genesis of the Rene Rostaing winery came about through marriage.
The wife of Rene Rostaing, was the daughter of the famed Cote Rotie grower, Albert Dervieux. She was also the niece of Marius Gentaz-Dervieux who gave Christine Dervieux the vineyards that became the estate for Rene Rostaing.
Through inheritance from Albert Dervieux Thaize, his father-in-law who retired in 1990, and from Marius Gentaz Dervieux, his uncle, Rene Rostaing was able to expand his Northern Rhone holdings, giving him some of the best terroir in Cote Rotie.
The new vineyard land was basically 3 small parcels in the La Landonne, Cote Brune and Vialliere lieux-dits. This initial expansion from his initial tiny parcel, allowed Rene Rostaing to change careers as he had enough vineyard land to become a full time vigneron. Since 2007, the estate has ably managed by Pierre Rostaing, the son of Rene Rostaing.
Rene Rostaing Vineyards, Wines, Winemaking
Currently Rene Rostaing owns 7.5 hectares of vines that are spread out among 20 different parcels located in 14 lieux-dits. It is the blending of those various terroirs that creates the style of Rene Rostaing.
Perhaps the most celebrated vines of Rene Rostaing are the 1.6 hectares of vines they own in the La Landonne vineyard. On La Landonne, they have vines that are more than 60 years of age. Some of their oldest vines are close to 100 years of age! Those are his largest holdings. The smallest vineyards of Rene Rostaing are located on Cote Blonde.
Rene Rostaing also has vines planted in the Fonjean, La Vialliere, Le Plomb, Bouchare, Leyat, La Roche and La Tupin lieu-dits. Their oldest vines are more than 70 years of age and are used for Rene Rostaing Cote Blonde.
The majority of those plantings are on the steep hillsides with mica, schist and rocky soils. Close to 25% of their vines are closer to the bottom of the slopes and on the flats.
Rene Rostaing remains a traditional Cote Rotie producer who is not among the last to harvest. His wines are aged using very little new, French oak barrels for the aging. On average, Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie are aged in about 10% new French oak barrels.
The best vintages of Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie are: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2003, 2001, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1995, 1991, 1990, 1989 and 1985.
