You’re the only one who can answer that question. For many, Montélimar was a symbolic dividing line between those who like the mono-cepage lighter wines of the ‘north’ and those who like the blended richer wines of the ‘south’. It always seemed a logical fit for that palate, to me.
But, obviously Northern Rhone syrah is always going to have a different profile than the racy pineau d’aunis wines of the Loire. So it depends what you like.
Vintage variation aside (because 2021 is likely to be an anomaly), within the Northern Rhone you can also look for producers working in styles and with specific terroirs that are lighter and more digestible (e.g. Texier).
Taked with Jean-Luc a good 20 years ago: The Jamet Cote-Rotie is a grand vin meant to age, he thought 12 to 20 years is perfect depending on the vintage.
I had the 2009 and 2011 in June - and both showed very fine with still potential.
For early drinking I recommend “Fructus Voluptas” from younger vines - and mainly destemmed
No doubt these wines can age beautifully, the 1998 and 1999 remain gorgeous right now. I had the 2010 a few months back, and it is another stellar vintage for this domain, but that structured vintage still needs another five years. For the more recent ripe vintages, not sure exactly how to prognosticate the drinking window, but it is always good to check in. As to the Fructus Voluptas, A nice wine, but I never thought it was worth the fare, and would rather pay the up-charge for the main wine.
Feral, ferrous music. I’m thinking @Charlie_Carnes might like it. I can’t remember the accountant. That is a big Swedish Heavy Metal fan, other wise I’d tag him.
fwiw I like the 2018 Jamet as well and would agree with the 95. Note from May 2022: Cool dark fruit with great lift, that familiar briney, olivey note, a welcome touch of meatiness; not nearly as broad and showy as the Grange des Peres but rather quietly complete and seamless with zero heat; by far the best of the 2018 N Rhones I’ve had to date - Gonon, Faury, Mickael Bourg, JM Stephan, Levet; happy to have more tucked away
The 2019 Jamet I tasted Nov 2022 had a bit of gloss to it and not much of the signature olive brine, but was a crowd-pleaser in a big tasting. In the end I prefer the 2018
