From the heights of the hamlet of La Ribaudy, perched above the rolling waters of the Rhône, Lionel Faury has very comfortably stepped into his role at the helm of the family domaine since taking over for his father ten years ago. The Faurys have always accentuated Syrah’s potential for making elegant wines of great finesse rather than the meatier reds  that can be found elsewhere in the northern Rhône; their Saint Joseph rouge in particular stands out as a thing of delicacy and grace. Vinifications are gentle, with about one third of the fruit going through whole-cluster fermentation for textural and aromatic lift. Elevage takes place in foudres and demi-muids to preserve the wine’s inherent vitality and avoid any flavors not born from grape or terroir, before Lionel bottles it unfined and unfiltered.
          The 2014 vintage chez Faury proved a perfect match for the house style, yielding brightly perfumed wines with delightfully supple tannins. From its floral nose to the fresh, silky finish, this Syrah is about as drinkable as they come. Undoubtedly, those who appreciate the finer things in life will very much appreciate this most harmonious expression of Saint Joseph. –Anthony Lynch