Michel & Stéphane Ogier “Le Passage” Saint-Joseph AOP 2021

Winery Background and History: Domaine Michel & Stéphane Ogier is a family-owned winery located in Ampuis, within the northern Rhône Valley of France. Established over seven generations ago, the estate has built a reputation for producing exceptional Syrah-based wines. Stéphane Ogier, who joined the domaine in 1997, has been instrumental in elevating the estate’s profile, focusing on expressing the unique terroirs of their vineyards. The winery is particularly renowned for its Côte-Rôtie wines but has also gained acclaim for its Saint-Joseph offerings.

Producer and Winemaker: Stéphane Ogier serves as both the owner and winemaker of the estate. His approach combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern innovations, aiming to highlight the distinct characteristics of each vineyard site. Stéphane’s meticulous attention to detail, from vineyard management to vinification, ensures the production of high-quality wines that reflect the essence of their origin.

Vineyards and Microclimate: The “Le Passage” Saint-Joseph is sourced from vineyards located in the commune of Malleval, situated at the northernmost part of the Saint-Joseph appellation, near the boundary of the Condrieu appellation. The vines, averaging over 30 years in age, are planted on steep, granitic slopes that provide excellent drainage and mineral complexity to the wines. The region experiences a continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cool winters, with significant diurnal temperature variations that contribute to the development of complex aromas and flavors in the grapes.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used: 100% Syrah

Vinification & Aging Methods: The 2021 “Le Passage” underwent traditional vinification processes. The hand-harvested grapes were fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise management of fermentation kinetics. Post-fermentation, the wine was aged for approximately 18 months in French oak barrels, a portion of which were new. This aging regimen imparts subtle oak influences while preserving the wine’s fruit purity and enhancing its structural complexity.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume): Approximately 14.5%

Tasting Notes: The 2021 “Le Passage” Saint-Joseph presents a deep ruby hue. On the nose, it offers concentrated and typical Syrah aromas with southern notes of black olives and wild scents. The palate is balanced, featuring a harmonious blend of dark fruit flavors, such as blackberries and currants, complemented by hints of sweet spices and violets. The wine’s structure is supported by fine-grained tannins and a refreshing acidity, leading to a long, captivating finish. 

Food & Wine Pairing: This Saint-Joseph pairs exceptionally well with a variety of dishes. It complements roasted or grilled meats, such as lamb chops or beef tenderloin, and is an excellent match for game dishes like venison stew. The wine’s acidity and tannic structure also make it suitable for rich poultry dishes, such as duck confit, and it pairs nicely with aged cheeses. Serving it alongside a rack of lamb accompanied by seasonal vegetables can be particularly delightful. 

Service Methods and Temperatures: To fully appreciate the nuances of the 2021 “Le Passage,” it is recommended to serve the wine at a temperature of 18°C (64°F). Decanting the wine for about 30 minutes prior to serving can help open up its aromatic profile and soften the tannins. Utilizing large, tulip-shaped red wine glasses will enhance the wine’s bouquet and direct the wine to the appropriate areas of the palate.

Storage and Aging Potential: When stored under optimal conditions—away from direct light, at a consistent temperature of 12°C to 15°C (54°F to 59°F), and with controlled humidity—the 2021 “Le Passage” Saint-Joseph has the potential to age gracefully for up to 10 years. As it matures, the wine is expected to develop additional layers of complexity, with tertiary notes such as leather, tobacco, and earthy undertones emerging over time.

Scores:

• Wine Advocate: 90-92 points

• Wine Spectator: 91 points

• Jeb Dunnuck: 92 points