Lionel Faury St Joseph Rouge 2022

Vigneron Lionel Faury drives a Ford Ranger, has an eyebrow piercing, and is a world-champion water jouster. On his off days you’ll find him out grilling by the pool. He’s effortlessly cool and happens to be cooking up some of the hottest wines in the northern Rhône. Despite his brawny veneer, Lionel prefers to make supple reds with soft tannin and ample freshness. A testament to his house style, the 2021 Les Ribaudes is vibrant and balanced with juicy dark fruit, a hint of peppery spice, and earthy minerality imprinted by its granite terroir. A charismatic Syrah as multifaceted as its maker.

Deep, bright-rimmed ruby. Pungent floral and black pepper flourishes complement smoke-inflected dark berry aromas. Fleshy, juicy and smooth on the palate, offering sappy cassis, bitter cherry and licorice flavors that firm up slowly through the midpalate. Nicely hefty yet lively as well, finishing with very good clarity, mineral cut and even tannins.

Vines are located around the domaine, planted on steep slopes (up to 35%) facing south, south-east

Hand harvested and 60 to 70% of grapes are de-stemmed

Aged for 12 months in foudres (24 – 35 hl), demi-muids (600-L), barrels (228-L); only 10% new oak is used in the rotation of barrels

The name Les Ribaudes is a nod to the hamlet of La Ribaudy from where the grapes are sourced