Michèle Aubèry-Laurent put tremendous care into the natural wines she produces in the Southern Rhone. Her “Poignée de Raisins” is 100% Grenache, resulting in a smooth, lighter style Cotes du Rhone with notes of stewed strawberry and funk you get from growing in clay and limestone.
From one of Châteauneuf’s most lauded vineyard sites, this cuvée of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Clairette is crafted by masters of the region’s rocky, wind-whipped terroir. This wine is positively classic, with notes of garrigue, chalky minerals, and bright red cherry. A gem for the cellar.
Many would argue that the best earthy, mineral-laden Syrahs sourced from the Rhône’s Côte Rôtie (or “roasted slope”) are among the finest expressions of Syrah on the planet. Clusel Roch’s is magnificent, with notes of kalamata olive, blueberry compôte, and fresh earth. Enjoy with roasted lamb.
Michèle Aubèry-Laurent has done it again with this beautiful expression of Viognier. Her production is small and rare. She and her son, Maxime, take a holistic approach to winemaking and push boundaries in order to produce incredible wines. The floral and citrus fragrances of this wine will leave you swooning.
The Sagesse is a beautiful expression of Grenache from Côtes du Rhône. Notes of black raspberry, thyme & black currant give lift to this wine, while it’s year old vines provide depth. Michèle Aubery-Laurent does not use sulfur during fermentation. If you want natural wine at it’s best, start here.
Jean-Pierre Monier & Phillipe Perréol formed a Rhone “Super Group” when they left their local co-ops and started this project. While this fruit comes exclusively from Monier’s holdings, their combined knowhow really shines here. Brooding dark fruit is enlivened by a radiant acidity. Brisket fresh out of the smoker, anyone?
Franck Balthazar is a flawless winemaker producing some of the most spectacular Syrah in his appellation. The ‘Chaillot’ is inky purple in color, with notes of tobacco, olive & incense aromas intertwined with bitter cherry flavor & a persistent finish. Pair with herb roasted lamb.
Protégé of the venerable Robert Michel, Guillaume Gilles is making a name for himself in Cornas. He’s crafting decidedly classic Cornas (no de-stemming, aging in old demi-muids & no fining or filtering). The Le Rieux vineyard at 450 meters produces incredibly fresh and bright fruit layered with spice.
Jean-Pierre Monier & Phillipe Perréol formed a Rhone “Super Group” when they left their local co-ops and started this project. While this fruit comes exclusively from Monier’s holdings, their combined knowhow really shines here. Brooding dark fruit is enlivened by a radiant acidity. Brisket fresh out of the smoker, anyone?
