Relatively pale this year. It shows a floral expression of violets, and in the mouth it’s light-bodied, fresh and with good acidity. The tannins are much friendlier than La Landonne, it's quite a light and gentle Côte Blonde this year, but the balance is good even if the concentration is fairly light. This will drink well young. It saw four weeks in tank, 18 months in oak, using limited new oak, natural yeasts, and as many stems as possible. The only single-vineyard bottlings in 2021 will be La Landonne and Côte Blonde - and that's if they are not eventually blended into Ampodium.

Like in 2022, the 2021 Côte-Rôtie Côte Blonde fermented with 100% whole-clusters. Raspberry, cranberry, black cherry, cedar, crushed violets and stemmy undertones are all nicely delineated. Medium-bodied and concentrated, my rating might seem a little conservative, but the 2021 does not possess the same substance or length as other recent vintages. Nonetheless, it offers plenty of freshness and won’t need as much time to come around.

The 2021 Côte Rôtie Côte Blonde is more round and supple, but possibly not as complex as the La Landonne. Beautiful ripe red berry fruits, flowers, and spicy notes all define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied, with a charming, layered mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and a great finish. I love its mid-palate depth, and this beauty is a clear success in this challenging vintage. Drink bottles over the coming 10-15 years or thereabouts. It's a beautiful wine.

Cask sample. Ashy, whole-bunch smoky nose with floral notes. Ferrous notes on the palate with sandalwood, spice, white pepper and floral flavours. Fine tannins that pepper the mouth. Closed and tight at the moment – with time it will open and add more floral character. (AC)