$200
2021 - 2023
An assemblage of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre blended from three estates (Chateau Romassan, Chateau de Selle and Clos Mireille), 25% of the 2020 Vin de France Rose Etoile was aged in spherical ceramic vessels, while the rest went into stainless steel. It's an extremely pale pink in hue, with coppery inflections, while the nose offers hints of crushed stone, lime zest and grapefruit. Hints of nectarine give the briefest impression of ripeness on the medium-bodied palate, which quickly reverts to bright citrus, a crisp, streamlined feel and a long, zesty finish. It looks as if it could drink well for a few years, but I personally don't see it being worth the price premium it commands over the single-estate wines.
In 2004, Louis Roederer purchased a controlling stake in Domaines Ott from the Ott family, but to this day, cousins Christian and Jean-François Ott continue to manage the three estates involved: Clos Mireille, Château Romassan and Château de Selle. While prices are high, the quality bar is too. Most consumers will likely encounter By Ott, the large-volume négociant offering, but the ultra-luxe Etoile Vin de France, which blends top lots from across appellations, is the biggest head-turner.
