Domaine Stéphane Ogier : La Belle Hélène 2020

Beautifully floral expression, bright acidity and great upright thrust. So juicy and powerful, but such finesse and lightness of touch, also. Big, driving, burly tannins and just a touch of raised alcohol peeping through, but this is forgivable given its excellence. Tannins still a touch green on the finish, but such a big, powerful and rich wine. 100% whole bunch from Côte Rozier.

Dark cherries, blackberries, wild herbs, peppercorns and cured meat. It’s full-bodied with firm tannins. Ample and plush with a grainy texture. Structured with dark cherry and dark chocolate character on the palate and a chewy, long finish at this stage. Best after 2025.

Coming from three different sectors in the Côte Rozier lieu-dit, the 2020 Côte Rôtie La Belle Hélène is all about elegance and finesse, with gorgeous cassis and darker fruits supported by wildflowers, violets, rose petals, and subtle truffly earth and iron. It's full-bodied, incredibly layered, and concentrated, with flawless balance as well as ultra-fine tannins. This cuvée normally demands cellaring, but there’s a purity and seamlessness that makes it almost impossible to resist today. Nevertheless, do your best to hide bottles for at least 4-5 years. It will cruise in cold cellars over the following two decades.

Offering the perfect combination of power and refinement, this is an exceptionally complete wine from start to finish. On the palate, it delivers an exciting tasting experience with layers of smoky notes, red fruits, spice, black raspberries, blue fruits, and red cherries. There is a vibrant energy in the mid-palate that blends seamlessly with the long, smooth finish. If you can wait a bit for the wine to age, you'll enjoy a truly remarkable tasting experience. Drink from 2028–2050.