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2022 Saint Joseph Blanc “Les Ribaudes”
Lionel Faury
With each passing vintage, we are more impressed with Lionel Faury’s wines from the slopes of Chavanay, in the heart of the northern Rhône. In a region dominated by a few large players from a commercial standpoint and by a select handful of “cult” producers in the eyes of the greater public, it is refreshing to see and taste the honesty and humility with which Lionel goes about his craft.
These words could also be used to describe Lionel’s wines, elegant beauties that exhibit delicacy and nuance in both colors. These are not wines designed to win blind tastings or score high points; rather, they are delightful expressions of terroir characterized by graceful structures and seductive floral aromatics.
The 2022 is roughly 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne, and mostly aged in tank to preserve as much freshness and fruit as possible. The little bit of wine that was aged in oak will give you a delightful glimmer of opulence. The result is very delicate, round, and elegant, showcasing classic notes of peachy stone fruit. It is yet another release from this under-the-radar young talent that is well worth your table—you will be awed by the absolute deliciousness of Lionel’s white.
—Tom Wolf
| Wine Type: | white |
| Vintage: | 2022 |
| Bottle Size: | 750mL |
| Blend: | 60% Marsanne, 40% Roussanne |
| Appellation: | Saint Joseph |
| Country: | France |
| Region: | Northern Rhône |
| Producer: | Lionel Faury |
| Winemaker: | Lionel Faury |
| Vineyard: | Planted between 1979 and 1998, 1.5 ha |
| Soil: | Granite |
| Aging: | Ages for 10 months on lees, 30% in 1 to 5 year-old barrels, 70% in stainless steel |
| Farming: | Lutte Raisonnée |
| Alcohol: | 14% |
More from this Producer or Region
2023 Saint-Joseph Blanc “Les Ribaudes”
France | Northern Rhône
The 2023 falls perfectly in line with the house style: there is not a single sharp edge, only tender, succulent, ripe peachy fruit, plus a touch of honeysuckle to round things out.
2023 Condrieu
France | Northern Rhône
Its ravishing perfume, luxurious body and texture, and unique abilities at table endow this Condrieu with a special place in the connoisseur’s cellar.
2022 Côte-Rôtie “Les 3 Brunes”
France | Northern Rhône
Exuberant, dark-fruited aromatics melding with earthy undertones of bitter cacao. Delicious now, or mind-melting in ten years.
2023 Collines Rhodaniennes Syrah “l’Art Zélé”
France | Northern Rhône
If you want to experience classic flavors of northern Rhône Syrah, here is a textbook example.
2022 Saint Joseph Rouge “La Gloriette Vieilles Vignes”
France | Northern Rhône
The roots of these vines run deep, and deep is what you get in the glass, too—a rich mix of black olive, fennel, and raspberry.
2023 Saint-Péray Blanc
France | Northern Rhône
With a nose of gunflint and suave Marsanne fruit, it has length and finesse; extremely limited availability
2021 Côte-Rôtie “Les 3 Brunes”
France | Northern Rhône
Irresistible notes of black olive, succulent black cherries, and spices
2023 Saint Joseph Rouge “Les Ribaudes”
France | Northern Rhône
A testament to Lionel’s house style, Les Ribaudes is vibrant and juicy with a hint of peppery spice, and earthy minerality imprinted by its granite terroir. Old-school Saint-Joseph at its finest.
2024 Collines Rhodaniennes Syrah “Les Hautes Ribaudes”
France | Northern Rhône
With lovely notes of currant and violets, this bright, crunchy wine is irresistible in its youth. Serve cool with just about anything.
2022 Côte-Rôtie “Emporium”
France | Northern Rhône
The “Emporium” is sourced exclusively from the Fourvier lieu-dit and sees about a year more in demi-muid and barrel than his standard Côte-Rôtie.
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.
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2021 Saint-Joseph Blanc
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2024 Collines Rhodaniennes Syrah “Les Hautes Ribaudes”
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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