Côte-Rôtie Cordeloux Marie et Pierre Bénetière (Domaine) 1999

Marie and Pierre Benetière are at the helm on this tiny Rhône domain. But quality in no way correlates to quantity here. Inspired by a sensitive philosophy of viticulture (eschewing pesticides and herbicides), they produce a small quantity of white and red wine which exhibit a rare purity and elegance.

From an eponymous plot, this Côte-Rôtie stands out for its aromatic intensity, its delicate structure and its tension which means it lingers beautifully. To make this wine, Pierre Benetière refuses to destem his berries, uses native yeast to start the fermentation, does little pumping over and rack and return is carried out on the élevage for between 18 and 22 months in barriques before bottling, with no fining nor filtration.