2017 Saint Joseph Rouge “Vieilles Vignes”
Lionel Faury
The general rule of thumb is that Côte-Rôtie ranks higher than Saint Joseph in the northern Rhône hierarchy, but Lionel’s Vieilles Vignes throws a wrench into that line of thinking. Made from vines planted between 1937 and 1976, this cuvée showcases impressive depth and soul.
—Tom Wolf
Dustin's Pick
My pick because there is something inscrutable about the best Syrahs. Instead of leaping out of the glass, they pull you in. The vines for Faury's Vieilles Vignes bottling are between 40 and 80 years old, and this classic northern Rhone Syrah has the deep satisfying flavors of blackberries, black olives and a hint of white pepper. It is drinkable now, or you can age it for 10 years or more.
| Wine Type: | red |
| Vintage: | 2017 |
| Bottle Size: | 750mL |
| Blend: | Syrah |
| Appellation: | Saint-Joseph |
| Country: | France |
| Region: | Northern Rhône |
| Producer: | Lionel Faury |
| Winemaker: | Lionel Faury |
| Vineyard: | Planted between 1937 and 1976, .9 ha |
| Soil: | Granite |
| Farming: | Lutte Raisonnée |
| Alcohol: | 13% |
More from this Producer or Region
2021 Côte-Rôtie “Les 3 Brunes”
France | Northern Rhône
Irresistible notes of black olive, succulent black cherries, and spices
2022 Saint Joseph Rouge “La Gloriette Vieilles Vignes”
France | Northern Rhône
Made from vines planted between 1937 and 1976, this cuvée showcases impressive depth and soul.
2023 Saint Joseph Blanc “Les Ribaudes”
France | Northern Rhône
Most of this blanc was aged in tank to preserve freshness, but the little bit that was aged in oak provides a glimmer of opulence.
2022 Saint-Joseph “Les Grisières”
France | Northern Rhône
Yearning for northern Rhône magic? Here you go. Pull a cork or more and see what I mean.
2021 Côte-Rôtie
France | Northern Rhône
The pinnacle of traditional Côte-Rôtie being produced today.
2023 Condrieu
France | Northern Rhône
I would say that Faury does not make Viognier, but rather one hell of a Condrieu, replete with huge apricot and peach aromas and a fresh, regal palate.
2023 Saint-Joseph Rouge “Terre Blanche”
France | Northern Rhône
Elegant blue and black fruit abound, but here it mingles with a hint of sanguinity and some dusty tannin.
2021 Côte-Rôtie “Les Roses”
France | Northern Rhône
Delicate and perfumed, it speaks softly, yet it has so much to say: lilies, bacon fat, spices... it could only be Côte Rôtie.
2023 Collines Rhodaniennes Syrah “l’Art Zélé”
France | Northern Rhône
The depth, complexity, and crushed-stone minerality of a great Côte-Rôtie, all while maintaining inviting youthful fruit.
2023 Ardèche Syrah “Syrah Mauve”
France | Northern Rhône
Young vines in Mauves, short maceration, stainless-steel aged... but definitely no simple Syrah!
About The Producer
Lionel Faury
Along the steep, narrow valley that traces the northern Rhône, the appellations of Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu and Saint-Joseph take their place among the great wines of France, and Domaine Faury is one of the region’s most artisanal producers. When Philippe Faury took over the domaine in 1979, the family was selling wine, peaches and cherries, and the bulk of their clientele was local. Over the years, Philippe increased their holdings to over 11 hectares and began to sell internationally. He shared his savoir faire with his son, Lionel. Since 2006, Lionel has taken over the reins, though father and son still work side by side. Every method they use encourages the grape towards greatness with the ultimate respect for its fragility.
More from Northern Rhône or France
2023 Saint-Joseph Blanc “Clef de Sol”
Domaine Jolivet France | Northern Rhône
2021 Saint-Joseph Blanc
Jean-Claude Marsanne France | Northern Rhône
2023 Saint-Joseph Rouge “Terre Blanche”
Domaine Monier Perréol France | Northern Rhône
2021 Hermitage Rouge “La Pierrelle”
Barruol / Lynch France | Northern Rhône
2021 Côte-Rôtie “Les Roses”
Barruol / Lynch France | Northern Rhône
2022 Crozes Hermitage “Habrard”
Barruol / Lynch France | Northern Rhône
2021 Côte-Rôtie
Domaine Jamet France | Northern Rhône
2023 Saint-Péray Blanc
Domaine Clape France | Northern Rhône
2020 Saint-Joseph Rouge
Domaine Jean-Claude Marsanne France | Northern Rhône
2023 Le Vin des Amis
Domaine Clape France | Northern Rhône
2021 Saint-Joseph Rouge “L’Instinct”
Domaine Jolivet France | Northern Rhône
2023 Ardèche Syrah “Syrah Mauve”
Domaine Jean-Claude Marsanne France | Northern Rhône
2023 Saint-Joseph Blanc “Clef de Sol”
Domaine Jolivet France | Northern Rhône
2021 Saint-Joseph Blanc
Jean-Claude Marsanne France | Northern Rhône
2023 Saint-Joseph Rouge “Terre Blanche”
Domaine Monier Perréol France | Northern Rhône
2021 Hermitage Rouge “La Pierrelle”
Barruol / Lynch France | Northern Rhône
2021 Côte-Rôtie “Les Roses”
Barruol / Lynch France | Northern Rhône
2022 Crozes Hermitage “Habrard”
Barruol / Lynch France | Northern Rhône
2021 Côte-Rôtie
Domaine Jamet France | Northern Rhône
2023 Saint-Péray Blanc
Domaine Clape France | Northern Rhône
2020 Saint-Joseph Rouge
Domaine Jean-Claude Marsanne France | Northern Rhône
2023 Le Vin des Amis
Domaine Clape France | Northern Rhône
2021 Saint-Joseph Rouge “L’Instinct”
Domaine Jolivet France | Northern Rhône
2023 Ardèche Syrah “Syrah Mauve”
Domaine Jean-Claude Marsanne France | Northern Rhône
Kermit once said...
Kermit once said...
I want you to realize once and for all: Even the winemaker does not know what aging is going to do to a new vintage; Robert Parker does not know; I do not know. We all make educated (hopefully) guesses about what the future will bring, but guesses they are. And one of the pleasures of a wine cellar is the opportunity it provides for you to witness the evolution of your various selections. Living wines have ups and downs just as people do, periods of glory and dog days, too. If wine did not remind me of real life, I would not care about it so much.
Inspiring Thirst, page 171