Domaine Yves Cuilleron Côte‑Rôtie Madinière Syrah 2022 from the schist slopes above the Rhône is an expressive, modern Côte‑Rôtie – richly scented, dark‑fruited and smoky, yet lifted and finely detailed in true Cuilleron style. The 2022 Madinière (predominantly Syrah with a dash of Viognier) is already attracting strong notices, sitting around 90–91 points with Jeb Dunnuck and other critics.

On the nose, expect a moreish mix of ripe black fruit – blackberry, black cherry and blackcurrant – with black olive tapenade, violet, roasted coffee, smoked meat and a cool menthol and thyme lift. The palate is medium‑ to full‑bodied but focused: deep, juicy dark fruits wrapped in fine, graphite‑like tannins, black pepper, smoke and grilled herb notes, finishing long, vibrant and savoury with a subtle roasted‑nut and menthol twist that keeps you coming back to the glass. It’s bold and structured yet elegant, and will really hit its stride with a few years in bottle.

Food‑wise, Côte‑Rôtie Madinière 2022 is made for lamb – think herb‑crusted rack, slow‑roast shoulder or lamb shanks – as well as duck, venison or charry eggplant and mushroom dishes that can soak up its smoky, peppery depth. Decant it for an hour and serve cool‑cellar to let the florals, black fruit and savoury detail unfurl; with its pedigree and 90–91‑point bracket, it’s a savvy buy for northern Rhône fans who want serious Côte‑Rôtie without hitting La‑La pricing.