Stephane Ogier is without a doubt, one of the most well-respected names in the Northern Rhone valley. Prior to producing Cote Rotie under their own name, the Ogier family used to sell their fruit to Guigal and Chapoutier, one of the most prestigious producers in the northern Rhone. That all changed in 1987 when Stephane's father Michel began bottling wines under their own name. Stephane took over in the late 90s after studying in Beaune, and they have been on an upward trajectory ever since, scoring 100 points with Robert Parker in several vintages.
Stephane applied the knowledge he had learned from his travels increased their vineyard holdings. The Ogier vineyard plots – tiny parcels dotted throughout Cote Rotie, on the Cote Blonde, Brune and Cote Rosiers – are all vinified separately in a large cellar complex south of Ampuis opened in 2015, which has given Stephane much more room in which to practice his art. There's no dogma here. Fermentations may be with whole bunches or destemmed, while ageing varies from new and old oak and concrete too, as in his excellent value 'Le Temps est Venu' range.' Everything depends on the terroir and the vintage, with Stephane adapting accordingly. This approach, along with no small part of dedication and talent has rapidly established Stephane as one of the most sought-after winemakers in the Northern Rhone.
