Maison Stephan Cote Rotie Les Binardes, Rhone, France 2023

Having vinified over 30 vintages of Côte-Rôtie, Jean-Michel Stephan is one of the true masters of natural winemaking in the Northern Rhône. His wines have a vivacious purity that make them instantly identifiable, marked by a balance of energy and transcendence that comes from a lifetime pursuit of his vision to craft flawless wines with absolutely no additives.

Côte-Rôtie 'Les Binardes' 2023 is a beautifully detailed and expressive northern Rhône Syrah from the steep, granite‑rich slopes of Côte‑Rôtie. Produced by the artisan estate Maison Stephan, the 2023 vintage opens with captivating aromas of blackberry, black raspberry, and violet layered with notes of smoked meat, cracked pepper, and subtle olive tapenade. The palate is vibrant and finely structured, balancing concentrated dark fruit with polished tannins and a mineral‑driven backbone. Elegant yet powerful, this Côte‑Rôtie delivers classic Rhône savory complexity and a long, energetic finish, making it both compelling now and worthy of further aging in the cellar.