The Alary family has farmed Cairanne since 1692; Denis, the tenth generation, and his son Jean-Etienne run 30 hectares, organic since 2009. Denis helped win Cairanne its cru status in 2016. One of four red Cairannes, with an unusually high share of Syrah. Matt Walls calls the estate one of the most contemporary and exciting estates in the Rhône.
Chapoutier`s top Châteauneuf: 100% old-vine Grenache, vines averaging about 90 years old, on rolled pebbles in the appellation`s western corridor near Mont-Redon, hand-picked and sorted. This 1989 predates Michel Chapoutier`s arrival in 1990 and the move to biodynamics.
The Perrin family has owned this estate since 1909; its history goes back to 1549. All 13 Châteauneuf varieties on 100 hectares, with a high proportion of Mourvèdre, fermented and aged in large old foudres. Wine Spectator scored the 2009 96 points.
The Avril family has made wine in Châteauneuf since 1600, and this single flagship red is among the appellation`s top-ranked. 24 small plots on 32 hectares, organic since 2008. Today`s blend is 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 5% other; destemmed, a month on skins, a year in large foudres. Parker called the wines brilliant" and long-lived."
The Avril family has made wine in Châteauneuf since 1600, and this single flagship red is among the appellation`s top-ranked. 24 small plots on 32 hectares, organic since 2008. Today`s blend is 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 5% other; destemmed, a month on skins, a year in large foudres. Parker called the wines brilliant" and long-lived."
The Avril family has made wine in Châteauneuf since 1600, and this single flagship red is among the appellation`s top-ranked. 24 small plots on 32 hectares, organic since 2008. Today`s blend is 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 5% other; destemmed, a month on skins, a year in large foudres. Parker called the wines brilliant" and long-lived."
Founded in 1932 by Séraphin Sabon when he married Marie Jausset, daughter of a local landowner; Joseph Sabon`s three sons expanded it from 1978. About 21 hectares in Châteauneuf, highly fragmented across lieux-dits such as Montalivet, La Crau and Bois Dauphin. Traditional: partly destemmed, steel tank fermentation, ageing in foudres, tank and demi-muids, bottled unfiltered. Robert Parker calls it one of the benchmark producers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
`Jolie red robe; the nose shows a well shaped, forward aroma of plum fruit with a note of dusty trails, leafy, herbal touches. The palate gives a nicely firm richness, sustains well into a compact finish, chewy elements there from its youthful tannins. There is a good blood-iron thread through it that provides a burrow of freshness. This is genuine Châteauneuf, right in the zone of authenticity. From mid-2026. 2046-48 Oct 2023` **** John Livingstone-Learmonth
Chateauneuf du Pape Domaine Vieux Lazaret Cuvee Exceptionelle (Magnum)
The Quiot family, vignerons here since 1748, has owned this estate`s name since 1915; it is one of Châteauneuf`s largest, with around 90 hectares in 35 parcels. The Cuvée Exceptionnelle is made only in great vintages, from no single plot: lots are selected during vinification, aged separately in concrete and then about a year in barrel, and only the best are kept.
The importer of Rayas in the US, only carries only two other CNDPs - Santa Duc and Jerome Gradassi`s. Lofty company, but testatment to what Jerome has done with his Grandfathers own vines in only a few years. The smallest producer in the town, with only 800 cases being produced in a typical year - the artisanal methods are still at play here - in the early years moving fermented juice from the ancient fermentation tanks by hand with only a rope and bucket as there was no other way to do it. He works with cooler climates: mostly the lieux-dits of Palestor, Bois Dauphin, and Cabrière, where he aims for elegance rather then pure power. These are artisanal CNDPs in the old school and are a brilliant value.
The importer of Rayas in the US, only carries only two other CNDPs - Santa Duc and Jerome Gradassi`s. Lofty company, but testatment to what Jerome has done with his Grandfathers own vines in only a few years. The smallest producer in the town, with only 800 cases being produced in a typical year - the artisanal methods are still at play here - in the early years moving fermented juice from the ancient fermentation tanks by hand with only a rope and bucket as there was no other way to do it. He works with cooler climates: mostly the lieux-dits of Palestor, Bois Dauphin, and Cabrière, where he aims for elegance rather then pure power. These are artisanal CNDPs in the old school and are a brilliant value.
The importer of Rayas in the US, only carries only two other CNDPs - Santa Duc and Jerome Gradassi`s. Lofty company, but testatment to what Jerome has done with his Grandfathers own vines in only a few years. The smallest producer in the town, with only 800 cases being produced in a typical year - the artisanal methods are still at play here - in the early years moving fermented juice from the ancient fermentation tanks by hand with only a rope and bucket as there was no other way to do it. He works with cooler climates: mostly the lieux-dits of Palestor, Bois Dauphin, and Cabrière, where he aims for elegance rather then pure power. These are artisanal CNDPs in the old school and are a brilliant value.
Chateauneuf du Pape La Bernadine Grande Cuvee Chapoutier
La Bernardine is the house in the middle of the vineyards that Michel Chapoutier`s grandfather bought. Grenache-led, with Syrah and Mourvèdre, from rolled-pebble terraces of the former Rhône bed. Hand-sorted, about three weeks on skins, then 15 months in concrete. Chapoutier`s renown dates from Michel`s arrival in 1990.
`The bouquet has a garrigue, herbes de Provence landscape, centres on plum fruit with a smoke-tobacco angle and a winsome floral touch. It’s going to be a classic, varied Châteuneuf nose over time, worth waiting for. The palate is enjoyable, filled with red fruits that move along well, a note of cedar, and a pocket of late tannin that brings extra graininess. This is an unhurried, unforced wine, very much in the domaine style over the years. There is glow on the aftertaste. It’s suavely fruited on the finish, presents an authentic glass. From late 2019, is in the finesse camp. 14.5°` **** John Livingstone-Learmonth
`I think the Rayas 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape will turn out to eclipse the 2005. It is unequivocally the finest wine made here since Emmanuel Reynaud`s uncle, the late Jacques Reynaud, produced his brilliant 1995. This wine was just released this year, with the 2008 coming on the market in the next few months. The 2007 is a relatively dark ruby/purple-tinged wine, more intensely colored than most Rayas Chateauneufs tend to be, since they are made from 100% Grenache and color has never been one of their hallmarks. The extraordinarily youthful and still burgeoning aromatics of black raspberries, black cherries, truffles and licorice lead to a full-bodied, powerful Rayas with sweet tannin, adequate acidity, and an ethereal richness and unctuosity that delicately offers a sensual texture. It is full-bodied, concentrated and approachable, but won`t hit its peak for at least another 4-5 years and will last for 25 or more. This is a spectacular Rayas, the likes of which hasn`t existed at this qualitative level since 1995.` 97 Points Robert Parker
Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve de Celestins Henri Bonneau
`This wine is reminiscent of Roger Sabon`s Le Secret des Sabon, with a style that borders on Italian Amarone. Powerful, full-bodied, alcoholic flavors, redolent with truffle, meat juices, roasted herbs, tar, sweaty saddle leather, plum, and soy, are incredibly complex but also provocative, and no doubt controversial. In the mouth, the wine is fleshy, full-bodied, thick, and juicy, pushing the level of ripeness to the limit. A distinctive and singular effort, as all Henri Bonneau`s wines are, this wine is silky and velvety, but should continue to drink well for another 25-30 years.` 96 Points Robert Parker
Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve de Celestins Henri Bonneau
`Schedule to be bottled next week (I suspect it will be in bottle by the time you read this), the 2010 Châteauneuf du Pape Reserve des Celestins is a sensational effort. Deeper, richer and more concentrated than the Marie Beurrier, it reveals an unusually inky ruby/purple color to go with overflowing notes of kirsch liqueur, roasted meats, crushed flowers, garrigue and just about every other Provençal spice you could name. Full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, layered and a blockbuster-styled effort, it should surpass the 2007 and possibly rival the 1990. This is a tour de force in Châteauneuf du Pape!`97-99 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
`A towering effort, the 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes soars from the glass with pristine crème de cassis, raspberry jam, black plum, scorched earth, incense, mint, exotic spice and white pepper aromas. The precision of the individual perfumes has a laser-like quality rarely seen in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Full-bodied and framed by ever-so-velvety tannins, it reaches a spherical dimension in the mouth. The recent adoption of 3,000-liter Austrian oak barrels beautifully contributed to the shape of this wine, giving it terrific poise and tension. (Drink between 2026-2042)` 97 Points Nicolas Greinacher
`The palate is very rich, extends much juice going all over the place – what a Road Runner. It has a violets, floral sign-off. The tannins are great, too, tasty and bright – which is a signature of the vintage. 38 years` ***** John Livingstone-Learmonth
A family estate run by brothers Eric and Joël Durand, who joined forces in 1996 and farm 20 hectares from Châteaubourg in the Ardèche. One of two Cornas cuvées, blending ten parcels, many around the Chaillot lieu-dit just north of Cornas, the Rhône`s pure-Syrah appellation. Jancis Robinson described the 2005 as sweet and heady.
`Flirting with perfection, the 2010 Cornas Les Eygats boasts a fabulous bouquet of incense, subtle smoke, black truffles, pen ink, blackberries and cassis. Massive with sweet tannin as well as an unreal skyscraper-like texture across the mid-palate, this broad, savory, classic Cornas should drink well for 25+ years.` 99 Points Robert Parker
Made in the cellars of Vincent Paris - Ex Yarra Yerring Winemaker turned Burgundy Vigneron makes one of the silkiest Cornas` of the appellation. Coming from Les Cotes at the Southern end of the appellation, where other growers like Juge, Voges and Lionnet have parcels, it seems particurly well suited to the vignerons stylistic visions. Deep, dark, wildly involving nose of graphite minerality and others. Extra depth, extra grain, nicely mouth-watering acidity, a touch of creamy barrel, less long, yet subtly long.` Bill Nanson
`Opaque violet color. Precise, mineral-accented scents of blackberry, cassis and exotic spices are accompanied by a slowly emerging floral nuance. Sappy and energetic on the palate, displaying sharp delineation to its concentrated black/blue fruit, floral pastille, olive and allspice flavors. Finishes extremely long and spicy, with intense mineral thrust, a hint of candied violet and subtly chewy, harmonious tannins that make a late appearance.` 95 Points Vinous
`One of the wines of the vintage is Voge’s 2005 Cornas Les Vieilles Fontaines. Coming from a single plot of granite soils, this inky colored beauty offers incredible purity in its plum, blackberry, licorice and violet-laced aromas and flavors. Showing more and more minerality with time in the glass, this full-bodied, rich, thrillingly concentrated Cornas is reminiscent of the 2010 with its notable freshness, building tannin and blockbuster length. It will have 20-25 years of longevity.`97 Points Jeb Dunnuck
Costieres de Nimes Cuvee Hippolyte Chateau Grande Cassagne
René Rostaing began in 1971 with under half a hectare; the estate now holds 30 Côte-Rôtie parcels across 11 hectares, with son Pierre in charge of winemaking. The benchmark Côte-Rôtie, once Cuvée Classique, blends 13 parcels at low yields, leaving out La Landonne and the Côte Brune. The Wine Advocate says Pierre is making some of the best wines of Côte-Rôtie.
`from Côte Rozier, Ritolas, Rozier, Leyat (Brune sector), 1982 clonal Syrah, part destemmed, pre-fermentation of 4-5 days at 10-14°C, 21-23 day vinification, pumping overs at the start and finish at 28°C, with a lot of cap punching, aged 3-10 year 228-litre oak casks 18 months, unfined, unfiltered, first wine 2004, used to be the Sophia cuvée of Gasse Lafoy, 2,000 b` John Livingstone-Learmonth
René Rostaing began in 1971 with under half a hectare; the estate now holds 30 Côte-Rôtie parcels across 11 hectares, with son Pierre in charge of winemaking. The benchmark Côte-Rôtie, once Cuvée Classique, blends 13 parcels at low yields, leaving out La Landonne and the Côte Brune. The Wine Advocate says Pierre is making some of the best wines of Côte-Rôtie.
`One of the standout wines whilst visiting the Rhone Valley, even though at the moment the nose is more taciturn than the Landonne. No worries, a few swirls and you get an idea of the intense black fruits, undergrowth and leather, all with great definition. The palate is full-bodied with exquisite balance, burly black fruits, touches of dark chocolate and Provencal herbs with hints of thyme and fennel, good grip on the finish. Very natural and refined. Drink 2011-2020+. Tasted November 2008.` (93-95) Neal Martin
`As in 2012, the 2011 Cote Rotie Cote Blonde has the most depth and class. More reserved than the La Landonne currently, it yields notions of raspberry, crushed flowers, licorice and spice to go with a full-bodied, backward and beautifully concentrated profile on the palate. Perfectly balanced, with integrated acidity and ample, fine tannin, it should be at its best from 2017-2032.` 95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck.
A first-generation grower, and one of the most exciting names in the northern Rhône. The 2016 comes from the Cumelle lieu-dit in the north of the appellation. Joe Czerwinski of the Wine Advocate gave it 91 points, finding it velvety on the palate." Syrah-based, perfumed and mineral."
A small family estate in Côte-Rôtie. The 2016 comes from the La Brocarde lieu-dit on the northern Côte Brune side, with 5% Viognier and 26 months in new barrels. Jeb Dunnuck scored the barrel sample 94-96, praising its deep, stacked mid-palate." Perfumed and mineral."
Cote-Rotie La Comtesse En Cote Blonde Christophe Pichon
Christophe Pichon took over the family estate in Chavanay in 1991 and began making Côte-Rôtie around 2000. La Comtesse is a parcel in the Côte Blonde, close to Guigal`s La Mouline, named for the old cadastral name of the land. 100% Syrah on schist and gneiss, south-facing, staked vines, about 39 hl/ha. Hand-picked, partly destemmed, fermented in stainless steel at 25 to 28°C, then 20 months in new barrels.
Stéphane Otheguy farms about two hectares across Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu and Saint-Joseph, organically and biodynamically, leasing from his mentor Vincent Gasse, who founded the domaine in 1988; Stéphane took over in 2004. Les Massales, the jewel, comes from 50 to 60-year-old pre-clonal Syrah (Sérine) in the lieux-dits Leyat and Bonnevière, made with very little sulphur.
`Dark red robe, quite deep, some legs. There are smoked bacon and floral airs on a crisp and mineral-inspired nose, lots of life. It shows good, clear, springy qualities, is a proper traditional Côte-Rôtie, with violets and coffee beans also here. The nose darts around with the zip-zap of different contributors, and gains in depth as it breathes, after one hour open. There is an earthy rumble around the dark berry fruit on the palate; there is excellent life in the tannins, and a bonny late crunch.` **** John Livingstone-Learmonth
The flagship Côte Rôtie, the 2017 Côte Rôtie Maison Rouge comes from a lieu-dit in the southern part of the appellation, and this terroir always yields a more finesse-driven, elegant style of wine. Gorgeous black raspberry, spring flowers, bay leaf, sandalwood, and exotic spice notes characterize this rich, full-bodied, beautifully textured Côte Rôtie. With sweet yet present tannins, an expansive mouthfeel, and integrated oak, this stunning, young, unevolved 2017 will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for 15 years or more." 96 Points Jeb Dunnuck"
The Barge family has made wine in Ampuis since 1860; Jules Barge was the first in Côte-Rôtie to sell domaine-bottled wine, in 1929. Pierre ran the estate until his son Gilles took over fully in 1994, and in that era the domaine made a single classic Côte-Rôtie from Côte Brune and Côte Blonde, leaning on the Brune. The Rare Wine Co calls the estate one of Côte Rôtie`s standard-bearers of traditionalism.
`very clear red robe; the nose is shapely, aromatic, on red fruit, is pure, floral with red cherry and raspberry. There’s a kind sweetness underpinning it, a pastille effect. The palate moves with Burgundian finesse, bears red cherries, has firm sides, comes from within, has iron, is structured. It’s aromatic with a touch of suave gras near the close, gras encouraged by the Viognier. It’s intricate, grippy, unusual, delivers interest. A granite blend would have more sucrosity. The aftertaste is rocky, finely powdered. Harvested before the rain which helped the Coteaux de Tupin. From 2022-23. 2042-44` Only 600 bottles **** John Livingstone-Learmonth
600 bottles produced - quite a dark red; the nose shows lardon, bacon chunks, sweetness, has definite drive, is promising, wide, together, has a smoky linger. The palate starts with bright early fruit, is fluid in delivery, gathers tannic depth towards the finish, is well marshalled there, the length good. This has good structure, will develop well, the balance correct; I like its cool depth. It just hits ****(*) John Livingstone-Learmonth
Château de St-Cosme, the reference-point estate of Gigondas, run by Louis Barruol since 1992, makes this Côte-Rôtie as a négociant bottling from purchased fruit, mostly Côte Brune lieux-dits such as Neve, Le Plomb and La Viallière. 750 cases. Wine Spectator found the 2013 very enticing, with savoury, bay leaf and dark plum character.
Cote-Rotie Terroir de Blonde Lancement Stephane Ogier
Stéphane Ogier, son of Michel Ogier, set up his own estate at Ampuis in 1997. Terroir de Blonde Lancement is a Côte Blonde cuvée, Syrah with Viognier, over twenty years old.
One of the icons of traditional Cote Rotie, Maxime Champet continues to stick to the principles of the family, in guiding the Northern sector fruit to a long lived, well-balanced wine where a core of iron is intermingled with secondary flavours that reach quite mind-boggling levels of complexity by ten years. Luckily, prices remain affordable for the time-being.
One of the icons of traditional Cote Rotie, Maxime Champet continues to stick to the principles of the family, in guiding the Northern sector fruit to a long lived, well-balanced wine where a core of iron is intermingled with secondary flavours that reach quite mind-boggling levels of complexity by ten years. Luckily, prices remain affordable for the time-being.
Gramenon are arguably the finest producer of Cotes de Rhone in the South. Their cheaper wines are simple, but expressive - and as you go up in the range, you get close to levels of complexity and soul that you rarely see outside mythical domaines like Rayas and Bonneau
Gramenon are arguably the finest producer of Cotes de Rhone in the South. Their cheaper wines are simple, but expressive - and as you go up in the range, you get close to levels of complexity and soul that you rarely see outside mythical domaines like Rayas and Bonneau
Gramenon are arguably the finest producer of Cotes de Rhone in the South. Their cheaper wines are simple, but expressive - and as you go up in the range, you get close to levels of complexity and soul that you rarely see outside mythical domaines like Rayas and Bonneau
Gramenon are arguably the finest producer of Cotes de Rhone in the South. Their cheaper wines are simple, but expressive - and as you go up in the range, you get close to levels of complexity and soul that you rarely see outside mythical domaines like Rayas and Bonneau
Gramenon are arguably the finest producer of Cotes de Rhone in the South. Their cheaper wines are simple, but expressive - and as you go up in the range, you get close to levels of complexity and soul that you rarely see outside mythical domaines like Rayas and Bonneau
Aurélien Houillon, from the Jura and brother of Emmanuel Houillon of Pupillin, and his partner Charlotte made their first vintage in 2017 at Faucon in the Vaucluse: a nine-hectare property with about 2.5 hectares of vines, worked by horse, biodynamic. Canne is entirely free-run juice from 50 to 60-year-old vines, destemmed, about ten weeks on skins, no added sulphur. Grenache-led.
Gramenon are arguably the finest producer of Cotes de Rhone in the South. Their cheaper wines are simple, but expressive - and as you go up in the range, you get close to levels of complexity and soul that you rarely see outside mythical domaines like Rayas and Bonneau
Grenache from vines up to 120 years old on sandy soils at Montbrison-sur-Lez, in the far north-east of the southern Rhône, farmed biodynamically. Philippe Laurent and Michèle Aubéry bought the farm in 1978; since Philippe`s death in 1999, Michèle has run it with her son Maxime-François. Côtes du Rhône by appellation, elevated by vine age.
Gramenon are arguably the finest producer of Cotes de Rhone in the South. Their cheaper wines are simple, but expressive - and as you go up in the range, you get close to levels of complexity and soul that you rarely see outside mythical domaines like Rayas and Bonneau
Gramenon are arguably the finest producer of Cotes de Rhone in the South. Their cheaper wines are simple, but expressive - and as you go up in the range, you get close to levels of complexity and soul that you rarely see outside mythical domaines like Rayas and Bonneau
Gramenon are arguably the finest producer of Cotes de Rhone in the South. Their cheaper wines are simple, but expressive - and as you go up in the range, you get close to levels of complexity and soul that you rarely see outside mythical domaines like Rayas and Bonneau
Cotes du Rhone Ceps Centenaire La Meme Gramenon (Magnum)
Grenache from vines up to 120 years old on sandy soils at Montbrison-sur-Lez, in the far north-east of the southern Rhône, farmed biodynamically. Philippe Laurent and Michèle Aubéry bought the farm in 1978; since Philippe`s death in 1999, Michèle has run it with her son Maxime-François. Côtes du Rhône by appellation, elevated by vine age.
Cotes du Rhone Ceps Centenaire La Meme Gramenon (Magnum)
Gramenon are arguably the finest producer of Cotes de Rhone in the South. Their cheaper wines are simple, but expressive - and as you go up in the range, you get close to levels of complexity and soul that you rarely see outside mythical domaines like Rayas and Bonneau. Grenache from 120-year-old vines on sandy soils at Montbrison-sur-Lez, in the northern reaches of the southern Rhône, farmed biodynamically. Philippe Laurent and Michèle Aubéry-Laurent bought the estate in 1978; since Philippe`s death in 1999, Michèle and her son Maxime-François have run it.
Laurent Charvin, sixth generation of a family at Orange since 1851, began bottling his own wine in 1990 and farms organically, on sandy soils next to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The Côtes du Rhône is Grenache-led, whole-bunch fermented in concrete, with no oak. Parker wrote that the estate may indeed produce the Richebourg of Chateauneuf du Pape"; the Revue du Vin de France gives it three stars."
`Dark robe; the nose is promising, black fruit gums, a discreet aroma, is oily, nicely grapey, a serene and stylish opening. The palate is also stylish from the off, holds suave content, bears sève [sap] from the old vines and good gras, extends with notably fine powder-sand tannins, is well orchestrated, up there on quality, is very good, top tack. 2034-36` ****(*) John Livingstone-Learmonth
`Dark robe; the nose is promising, black fruit gums, a discreet aroma, is oily, nicely grapey, a serene and stylish opening. The palate is also stylish from the off, holds suave content, bears sève [sap] from the old vines and good gras, extends with notably fine powder-sand tannins, is well orchestrated, up there on quality, is very good, top tack. 2034-36` ****(*) John Livingstone-Learmonth
The Clusel family`s Côtes du Rhône: 100% young-vine Syrah from a parcel just outside the Côte-Rôtie boundary, planted with the Sérine massale selection that Gilbert`s grandfather started in 1935. A third whole cluster, 228-litre barrels, 15% new. Vinous gave a recent vintage 93 points, calling it a Côtes-du-Rhône in name only.
The wines of Dard & Ribo enjoy a loyal following because they are totally delicious from the traps, but they are a noteworthy domaine for being one of the very first to work in a completely natural way, that prized juiciness and drinkability through low-fi vinifcation and meticulous organic farming.
Jaboulet`s Crozes-Hermitage comes from the oldest vineyard in the appellation, which joined the house in 1834: a stony glacial plain planted with 40 to 60-year-old Syrah, 12 months in oak, 20% new. Robert Parker gave the 2009 95 points, calling it the greatest Crozes-Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert since the magnificent 1990.
Previously farmed by Raymond Roure, there`s little doubt Picaudieres is one of the greatest, if not the greatest vineyard in Crozes Hermitage. Steep granite and old vines here. John Livingstone-Learmonth believes it is `Certainly better then many Hermitages from the eastern part of the hill`.
Previously farmed by Raymond Roure, there`s little doubt Picaudieres is one of the greatest, if not the greatest vineyard in Crozes Hermitage. Steep granite and old vines here. John Livingstone-Learmonth believes it is `Certainly better then many Hermitages from the eastern part of the hill`.
Previously farmed by Raymond Roure, there`s little doubt Picaudieres is one of the greatest, if not the greatest vineyard in Crozes Hermitage. Steep granite and old vines here. John Livingstone-Learmonth believes it is `Certainly better then many Hermitages from the eastern part of the hill`.
The wines of Dard & Ribo enjoy a loyal following because they are totally delicious from the traps, but they are a noteworthy domaine for being one of the very first to work in a completely natural way, that prized juiciness and drinkability through low-fi vinifcation and meticulous organic farming.
A young, ambitious estate founded in 2011 by Julien Cécillon, nephew of Jean-Louis Grippat, and his American wife Nancy Kerschen. Crozes-Hermitage, 100% Syrah.
The wines of Dard & Ribo enjoy a loyal following because they are totally delicious from the traps, but they are a noteworthy domaine for being one of the very first to work in a completely natural way, that prized juiciness and drinkability through low-fi vinifcation and meticulous organic farming.
`The Chambolle-Musigny of the Rhône, the 2015 IGP Vaucluse from Jerome Bressy is a totally sensational blend of 50% Grenache and the balance a mix of Mourvèdre, Carignan, Counoise, Vaccarèse, Cinsault, Syrah, and Terret Noir (we`re getting close to all the varieties). Aged in a mix of concrete tanks, foudre, demi-muids, and barrels, bottled unfined and unfiltered, this naked beauty has just about everything you could want from a bottle of wine. Notes of rose petals, kirsch, blackberries, garrigue, and spice all emerge from this pure, elegant and gorgeous red that offers full-bodied richness, no hard edges and a killer finish. It got more than a few Wows in my notes and is an ethereally textured southern Rhône that needs to be tasted to be believed. Anticipated maturity: 2017 - 2030` 97 points, Jeb Dunnuck
Fourth-generation family estate in Mercurol, 30 hectares across Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph and Hermitage; Émilie Desmeure makes the wine and her brother Christophe tends the vines. First made in 1973 and named after Émilie, this Hermitage is 100% Syrah from Les Grandes Vignes (granite, about 40 years old) and Les Rocoules (alluvial soils, over 80 years old), destemmed, 28 to 30 days on skins, 15 months in new barrels. Jeb Dunnuck says the estate needs to be on every reader`s short list.
`The magnificent 2009 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes boasts a black/purple color as well as a wonderful nose of creosote, incense, charcoal, blackberry jam, acacia flowers, white chocolate and a hint of espresso roast. Full-bodied and unctuously textured with low acidity and magnificent density, this 2009 can be drunk in 5-6 years or cellared for 30-50 years.` 98 Points Robert Parker
The cooperative of Tain-l`Hermitage, founded in 1933 by Louis Gambert de Loche, who united about a hundred local growers. It owns about 22 hectares on the Hermitage hill itself, the largest cooperative holding there. Gambert de Loche has been its prestige Hermitage since 1994, from selected hill parcels. Jeb Dunnuck calls the cave one of the finest co-ops in the world.
`This is autumn in the glass, with wet-leaf, fresh-mushroom, smoke and dried-meat character. Orange peel, dark fruits, and game pâté. Full body with incredible depth, length, ripe fruit and intensity. It goes on for minutes. Stunning finish. It is so rich, decadent and intense, but fresh and long. It defines greatness. It defines what hermitage was, is and should be.` 98 Points James Suckling
`Coolish year. Lots of structure. The Jaboulets argued that 1996 was better than 1995. Very healthy deep crimson. Deeper than 1999 and 2004! Tangy, meaty nose. Fully evolved nose - almost as though there`s some reduced Mourvèdre here. Very promising until the rather dried-out end. The best Jaboulet of these three reds but it cuts off a bit on the finish.` 17+ Jancis Robinson
The Fayolle family left the cooperative in 1959 to bottle at the domaine, one of the first in the appellation, and works from Gervans, north of Tain. Les Dionnières (also spelled Diognières) lies at the foot of the Hermitage hill beside Tain, on clay-limestone soils with small rolled pebbles, known for aromatic freshness. The Wine Scholar Guild says the estate`s Diognières Hermitage shows the elegant, rather than powerful, side of the Hill.
The wines of Dard & Ribo enjoy a loyal following because they are totally delicious from the traps, but they are a noteworthy domaine for being one of the very first to work in a completely natural way, that prized juiciness and drinkability through low-fi vinifcation and meticulous organic farming.
The same granite estate`s old-vine Gamay: 100% from 60- to 80-year-old vines on steep, stony slopes. Long, low-temperature maceration without destemming, then aged on fine lees and bottled unfiltered. Jamie Goode gave the 2007 91 points, praising its lovely smooth texture.
The ‘Confidential Wine Culture’ of St-Joseph has long clutched Domaine de Gouye tight to its chest, as it did his neighbour and long-time friend Raymond Trollat. The Gouye family have most of their vines in the lieux-dit of Gouye, high up on the hills over St-Jean de Muzols. Separated by a ravine from Aubert and Pichonnier, Trollat’s old plots. Philippe has 3 hectares here mostly planted between 1955 and 1975. Due to its high altitude, the wines manage to retain freshness even in warm years. It is a phenomenal terroir, worked with absolute conviction in the old methods by Philippe Desbos. As well as Trollat, he had much in common with Elizabeth Fogier, a female vigneron of St-Jean de Muzols who defended the old style in the 1980s and 1990s, living an unpretentious and steady farmers existence like Philippe and his family do now. Hens cluck at your feet, a horse to plough. Not much changes here.
A Saint-Joseph from a plot of Syrah that Hervé Souhaut`s wife`s grandfather leased out for 25 years from 1988; Souhaut only got it back in 2013. Granite soils in the Ardèche hills, organic farming, natural winemaking. A bold grape handled with finesse.
Jean-Louis Chave has long believed the right spots in St-Jo can go toe to toe with the greatest wines in France, and sets out to prove it with this single vineyard wine which debuted in 2015. A rare, historic walled vineyard, almost unheard came onto the market when Domaine Florentin pulled up the shutters. This is an expensive wine, but frequently delivers a Burgundian sensibility to the more muscular Syrah.
Jean-Louis Chave has long believed the right spots in St-Jo can go toe to toe with the greatest wines in France, and sets out to prove it with this single vineyard wine which debuted in 2015. A rare, historic walled vineyard, almost unheard came onto the market when Domaine Florentin pulled up the shutters. This is an expensive wine, but frequently delivers a Burgundian sensibility to the more muscular Syrah.
Jean-Louis Chave has long believed the right spots in St-Jo can go toe to toe with the greatest wines in France, and sets out to prove it with this single vineyard wine which debuted in 2015. A rare, historic walled vineyard, almost unheard came onto the market when Domaine Florentin pulled up the shutters. This is an expensive wine, but frequently delivers a Burgundian sensibility to the more muscular Syrah.
Xavier Gérard took over his family`s holdings in 2012-13 (his father François bottled the first Côte-Rôtie in 1980) and farms 7.5 hectares across Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu and Saint-Joseph. Le Blanchard is a Saint-Joseph plot leased from the family of the late Gérard Villano, one of the few stand-out sites in the north of the appellation, on limestone bedrock. Hand-worked, natural fermentations, élevage mostly in demi-muids.
Stéphane Otheguy farms about two hectares across Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu and Saint-Joseph, organically and biodynamically, leasing from his mentor Vincent Gasse, who founded the domaine in 1988; Stéphane took over in 2004. A Saint-Joseph blending Syrah and the old Sérine selection, made with very little sulphur.
St-Joseph Les Sabots de Coppi Domaine de L`Iserand
200 cases - dark robe; the nose has a gently floral, blackberry aroma that is neatly rounded, brambly fruit in the mix. The palate leans towards gourmand in style, produces a firm spot of tannin late on – that tannin needs another 12-15 months. It gains emphasis as it goes, and I sense the whole bunch influence on the final third of its route. “The whole bunches are not because the pH is low, but are there to construct the wine,” Jef Malsert." ***(*) John Livingstone-Learmonth"
St-Joseph Les Sabots de Coppi Domaine de L`Iserand (Magnum)
200 cases - dark robe; the nose has a gently floral, blackberry aroma that is neatly rounded, brambly fruit in the mix. The palate leans towards gourmand in style, produces a firm spot of tannin late on – that tannin needs another 12-15 months. It gains emphasis as it goes, and I sense the whole bunch influence on the final third of its route. “The whole bunches are not because the pH is low, but are there to construct the wine,” Jef Malsert." ***(*) John Livingstone-Learmonth"
St-Joseph Lou Taïssou Domaine de L`Iserand (Magnum)
dark red; the nose has a gently assured dark berry, blackberry aroma with natural purity, violet, bacon fat, black fruit gums present. The palate has a crisp, well defined debut, streams along with drive, mixes tarred and floral notes, is nicely authentic, has the freshness to evolve, is up in manner, the tannins a bit unresolved, tarred, firm and demanding it be left until autumn 2024. The length is good. 12.5°" ***(*) John Livingstone-Learmonth"
The wines of Dard & Ribo enjoy a loyal following because they are totally delicious from the traps, but they are a noteworthy domaine for being one of the very first to work in a completely natural way, that prized juiciness and drinkability through low-fi vinifcation and meticulous organic farming.
René-Jean Dard and François Ribo started their domaine in 1983 in Tain-l`Hermitage, from a hectare of Dard`s family vines, and are pioneers of natural wine in the northern Rhône: organic, low or no sulphur, no filtering. Pitrou, from Saint-Joseph, is mostly a late-picked Roussanne white; the red is released only in some vintages. Jamie Goode calls them one of the top producers of the Northern Rhône.
`The bouquet has a garrigue, herbes de Provence landscape, centres on plum fruit with a smoke-tobacco angle and a winsome floral touch. It’s going to be a classic, varied Châteuneuf nose over time, worth waiting for. The palate is enjoyable, filled with red fruits that move along well, a note of cedar, and a pocket of late tannin that brings extra graininess. This is an unhurried, unforced wine, very much in the domaine style over the years. There is glow on the aftertaste. It’s suavely fruited on the finish, presents an authentic glass. From late 2019, is in the finesse camp. 14.5°` **** John Livingstone-Learmonth
The ‘Confidential Wine Culture’ of St-Joseph has long clutched Domaine de Gouye tight to its chest, as it did his neighbour and long-time friend Raymond Trollat. The Gouye family have most of their vines in the lieux-dit of Gouye, high up on the hills over St-Jean de Muzols. Separated by a ravine from Aubert and Pichonnier, Trollat’s old plots. Philippe has 3 hectares here mostly planted between 1955 and 1975. Due to its high altitude, the wines manage to retain freshness even in warm years. It is a phenomenal terroir, worked with absolute conviction in the old methods by Philippe Desbos. As well as Trollat, he had much in common with Elizabeth Fogier, a female vigneron of St-Jean de Muzols who defended the old style in the 1980s and 1990s, living an unpretentious and steady farmers existence like Philippe and his family do now. Hens cluck at your feet, a horse to plough. Not much changes here.
There is a steady depth of black berries on the nose, some southern tones, beyond them notes of mineral. The palate comes with tight clench content, good furnishing, with reach and live tannins that add energy and will slot in. It runs with purpose, and sustains the fruit into its rocky, local close, is highly STGT, granite-influenced, offers violet on the aftertaste, way to go touches du coin. This is bingo St Jo of eternal days, a wine of character and truth that take it up to ****(*). 5,200 b. From spring 2026. 2038-40 Feb 2024" ****(*) John Licingstone-Learmonth"
The ‘Confidential Wine Culture’ of St-Joseph has long clutched Domaine de Gouye tight to its chest, as it did his neighbour and long-time friend Raymond Trollat. The Gouye family have most of their vines in the lieux-dit of Gouye, high up on the hills over St-Jean de Muzols. Separated by a ravine from Aubert and Pichonnier, Trollat’s old plots. Philippe has 3 hectares here mostly planted between 1955 and 1975. Due to its high altitude, the wines manage to retain freshness even in warm years. It is a phenomenal terroir, worked with absolute conviction in the old methods by Philippe Desbos. As well as Trollat, he had much in common with Elizabeth Fogier, a female vigneron of St-Jean de Muzols who defended the old style in the 1980s and 1990s, living an unpretentious and steady farmers existence like Philippe and his family do now. Hens cluck at your feet, a horse to plough. Not much changes here.
Founded in 1993 by Hervé Souhaut in Arlebosc, in the northern Ardèche across the river from Hermitage: five hectares of granite-soil vines, farmed organically and vinified naturally. 100% Syrah from 30- to 40-year-old vines. Jamie Goode called the 2007 simply beautiful.
`Based on 1923 Grenache on sand-limestone soils, topped up with 3% white grapes, and is a major offering, a wine of probity and expression.` John Livingstone-Learmonth
Syrah (2004, massale) from 0.5 hectare on mica-schist hillside soils at Vion, whole bunch 500-litre amphore vinification, then topped up & left 6 months, then pressed, then another 6 months in amphore, unfined, unfiltered, not made every year, plot selection wine, up to 2,000 b
Aurélien Houillon, from the Jura and brother of Emmanuel Houillon of Pupillin, and his partner Charlotte made their first vintage in 2017 at Faucon in the Vaucluse: a nine-hectare property with about 2.5 hectares of vines, worked by horse, biodynamic, no added sulphur. Indigo is a Syrah-led red whose blend varies from year to year.
The ‘Confidential Wine Culture’ of St-Joseph has long clutched Domaine de Gouye tight to its chest, as it did his neighbour and long-time friend Raymond Trollat. The Gouye family have most of their vines in the lieux-dit of Gouye, high up on the hills over St-Jean de Muzols. Separated by a ravine from Aubert and Pichonnier, Trollat’s old plots. Philippe has 3 hectares here mostly planted between 1955 and 1975. Due to its high altitude, the wines manage to retain freshness even in warm years. It is a phenomenal terroir, worked with absolute conviction in the old methods by Philippe Desbos. As well as Trollat, he had much in common with Elizabeth Fogier, a female vigneron of St-Jean de Muzols who defended the old style in the 1980s and 1990s, living an unpretentious and steady farmers existence like Philippe and his family do now. Hens cluck at your feet, a horse to plough. Not much changes here.
