2022 · L’Orientale

Michel & Stéphane Ogier is a family-owned estate in Côte-Rôtie, founded by Michel Ogier in 1982 after initially selling grapes to négociants. The estate farms about 16 hectares across premier sites like Côte Brune and Côte Blonde. Stéphane Ogier, who joined in 1998, leads winemaking and has introduced a négociant arm, lower yields through de-budding, and extensive vineyard renewal. Their philosophy emphasizes co-fermentation for balance, gentle extractions for silky tannins, and a unique 'délestage doux' method. Sustainability efforts focus on reduced yields and replanting, though they hold no formal organic certification. The team, including consultant Edouard Guérin, practices responsible viticulture with minimal intervention, aiming for terroir-driven wines with depth and drinkability.