Description
The Faury family have cultivated the northern Rhône’s steep slopes since the end of World War II, when Jean Faury settled in the village of La Ribaudy and planted both vines and orchards. In 1979, son Philippe took over and the focus shifted to winemaking and expansion of their vineyard holdings. Third generation Lionel very much follows in his father’s footsteps, seeking to craft wines which capture the essence of place be it Saint-Joseph, Condrieu, Côte-Rôtie or the Collines Rhodaniennes.
The steep, largely granitic slopes are terraced, favoured by south to south- east exposure. Lionel’s winemaking remains non-interventionist: 100% gravity flow, very light filtration on whites only, temperature controlled wild ferments in concrete tanks, and a near absence of new and small oak in favour of older demi-muids and foudres. Lionel sees himself as a ‘custodian of yesterday’s world, an agricultural artisan’, with others to follow tomorrow.
2023 vintage – Overall, juicy and supple reds, with moderate alcohols (generally ~13%). Côte Rôtie was one of the successes of the vintage in terms of volume and quality, while parts of Cornas, St-Joseph and the southern half of Crozes-Hermitage were hit by hail in July. Whites tend to be bright and fresh, suited for early drinking.
About this wine: 100% Syrah. Grown on Velay granite. Selection of the oldest vines on the estate (50 to 80 years old) facing Northeast, Northwest, in the locality known as “Le Blanchard”
Winemaking: Harvested in 50 kg crates, the grapes are placed in vats with a proportion of 45 to 75% whole bunches. Fermentation lasts approximately three weeks, alternating between pump-overs and gentle manual punch-downs. The wines are then racked into demi-muids (600 liters) for 15 to 18 months. The blend is made in bulk one month before bottling, which is carried out by gravity and without filtration.
Deep garnet color with carmine highlights. The nose opens with aromas of small black fruits, complemented by elegant notes of graphite and toasted bread crust. The palate is full and complex, revealing an aromatic blend of black fruits, spices, and braised/peppery notes; subsequently supported by a firm yet velvety tannic structure.
90 points, Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous Media “Aged for up to 18 months in demi-muids, the 2023 Saint-Joseph La Gloriette Vieilles Vignes makes a compelling start, opening with ripe blackberry, white pepper, black cherry and signs of cedarwood. Medium-bodied and gently structured by ripe tannins..”
RRP $114 Our Special Price $94.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
