2005 Stéphane Othéguy St. Joseph

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  8/21/2007, (See more on Garagiste...)

  (Otheguy St. Joseph) Otheguy Dear Friends, Along with Ganon and Herve Souhaut, Stephane Otheguy is the leader in the new Rhone movement that has taken France by storm and will undoubtedly change the nature of the game in Cote Rotie, Condrieu and beyond. There’s a new sheriff in town policing the terroir-offenders and his name is Otheguy. Say what you will regarding available data and information on Otheguy (there’s not a lot) but his presence is felt across the Valley (ask any of the new regime of producers in Cote Rotie who the best producer around Ampuis is and his name will surely come up). Otheguy is a decided media hermit but I would place him in the very top rung of producers all of France and he is probably the finest artisanal producer in Cote Rotie at the moment (with all deference to Ogier, Guigal or anyone else that over-oaks and manipulates their Cote Rotie - this is the real taste of Syrah in its unadulterated form). As far as importance to a region and its future, his portfolio would be tough to surpass. Completely unknown to US critics because he refuses to submit samples for analysis “why would I want my wines tasted by a wine critic - what’s the point? It’s a waste of a perfectly good bottle of my wine that could be enjoyed instead. I make my wines for those that care enough to support my ways and enjoy the wines at home with their family” - a refreshing refrain and you have to commend the passion. Regardless of his attempts to remain anonymous, the wines speak for themselves up against the toughest competition (ask anyone who attended the 2007 Decouvertes en Vallee du Rhone who the most impressive producer was from top to bottom, including white wine, and there will be little resistance at the suggestion of Otheguy - and that includes Ogier, Jamet et al). With a 100% non-interventionist and organic philosophy, this is the Northern Rhone coming to fruition in a time when ecological sensitivity has ceased to be a buzz word and is now a critical element in all endeavors - wine or not. The result of this philosophy is a series of wines that are so varietally pure and reflective of their place that it renders most of the other highly extracted showpiece wines in the area as humorous distractions. Quantities on both of the items below are so limited and rare that we could only obtain a few cases of each (and that was after a year of attempts to source the wines). If you think 2004 is an off vintage in Cote Rotie, I believe this wine will change your mind, especially if you are a fan of Clape or other classic traditionalists in Cornas and the other appellations of the northern Rhone. To stay ahead of the curve in the modern Rhone Valley is not always easy, but Otheguy will help lead your way forward with wines that are as stunning as his commitment to a demanding artisanal mantra. Amazing wines that will help define a new generation in the Rhone. Both are VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and set to arrive directly from the source in perfect condition PLEASE BE PATIENT WITH FINAL ALLOCATIONS 2005 Stephane Otheguy St. Joseph EXTREMELY LIMITED 2004 Stephane Otheguy Cote Rotie “Les Massales” EXTREMELY LIMITED Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Rhone9140 Rhone9150