$280.00
Bottled from young vines (of up to 25 years old) and some parcels in the more productive, fertile soils at the bottom of the property, this may be labelled as humble Côtes-du-Rhône, but it is obviously a very special one, being 100% Viognier from the slopes of Château-Grillet. It is more generous and more approachable in its youth than the Château-Grillet release, yet it still remains a tightly wound, savoury, saline white that’s true to its legendary terroir. It’s coiled and dense, with stone fruit generosity, a saline, sappy freshness and a twist of classy, subtle reduction. The 2023 is a super wine—the best example of this ‘baby Grillet’ we have tasted and an excellent introduction to this unique terroir.
Like the Château-Grillet cuvée, the Côtes du Rhône was whole-bunch pressed and fermented wild. Half of the wine was aged in stainless steel vats and the other half in neutral 228-litre barrels for one year, after which the wine rested in stainless steel for six months.
“The nose is precise, with lovely, typical apricot and white peach fruit, but without exuberance. There is a flattering hint of iodine and rock, mixed with white flowers. The palate is well-balanced, saline and full-bodied.” Winemakers note
“The Côtes-du-Rhône, both elegant and persistent, displays admirable freshness on the finish, making it already approachable.” 95 points, La Revue du Vin de France
2 in stock