PIERRE JEAN VILLA Esprit d'Antan Syrah, Collines Rhodanienn

Patrick & Christophe Bonnefond Les Rochins, Côte-Rôtie Parcel selection on the Côte-Rozier is located in the north of the Côte-Rôtie AOC, on schist and mica-schist terroirs. Vinification is the same as the previous cuvée, ageing for 20 months in 400 litre barrels, 30% of which are new wood. A Syrah that is typically characterised by cherry, blueberry, olive paste and spiced cake.

A limited production cuvée, from pure Syrah grown on (volcanic) basalt rock on the edge of the Coiron Mountains in the South-Eastern Ardèche in the wider Rhône Region of France. The properties of the volcanic soil hold the heat from the sun, helping get the best from the Syrah vines. The resulting wine is balanced, with powerful aromatics of spice and red fruit, and a texture of soft tannins. This specificity led famous critic and Master of Wine Julia Harding to chose this wine as her wine of the week for JancisRobinson.com, saying that it “combines irresistible fragrance with generous amounts of peppery red and black fruit flavours.”