Stephane Ogier Cotes du Rhone Le Temps Est Venu 2022

Stéphane Ogier made his reputation in Côte-Rôtie, one of the northern Rhône's most celebrated appellations, where Syrah produces wines of remarkable elegance, perfume, and complexity. But when he decided to venture south, he encountered a very different world of wine.

In the northern Rhône, steep granite slopes and a cooler climate favor Syrah. Travel south toward Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and the landscape becomes warmer and more Mediterranean, with Grenache taking center stage. Ogier saw an opportunity to bring his northern Rhône sensibility to the generous, sun-soaked wines of the south.

He called the project Le Temps Est Venu, French for "The Time Has Come."

The 2022 is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, sourced from vineyards in the southern Rhône. The Grenache brings ripe fruit and a generous, rounded palate, while Syrah contributes darker flavors, peppery spice, and structure.

Rather than relying on new oak for additional richness, Ogier matures the wine in concrete tanks. This allows the fruit and savory character of the grapes to remain at the forefront without adding noticeable vanilla or toasted oak flavors.

The result is an expressive Côtes du Rhône with aromas of black raspberry, ripe cherry, violets, and wild Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, juicy red and dark fruits are balanced by cracked black pepper, subtle licorice, and a pleasantly savory finish. The tannins are fine and supple, giving the wine enough structure to accompany a meal without overwhelming it.

Try it with grilled lamb chops seasoned with rosemary, roast chicken with garlic and thyme, or pork tenderloin with a mustard-herb crust.

What makes this wine particularly appealing is its balance. It has the generous fruit you expect from the southern Rhône, but also the freshness and precision that have made Stéphane Ogier such a respected winemaker in the north.