2023 Collines Rhodaniennes Syrah “Les Hautes Ribaudes”
Lionel Faury
Lionel Faury may be best known for his sublime northern Rhône crus of Saint-Joseph, Côte-Rôtie, and Condrieu, but he also farms vines on the plateau just above these appellations. These Syrah vineyards sit at a slightly higher altitude and offer terrific values for Rhône wine lovers, creating a bright, crunchy wine that is irresistible in its youth. Lovely notes of blackberries and violets shine amidst a backdrop of granite minerals and soft brambly tannins, offering just as much lively refreshment as earthy intensity.
While great northern Rhône Syrah is perfectly suited to carnivorous pairings, Lionel’s “Les Hautes Ribaudes” is nimble enough to enjoy with lighter dishes—served cool, it complements just about anything. Consistently among the Rhône’s best values, it’s no wonder this is a longtime staff favorite.
—Anthony Lynch
| Wine Type: | red |
| Vintage: | 2023 |
| Bottle Size: | 750mL |
| Blend: | Syrah |
| Appellation: | Collines Rhodaniennes |
| Country: | France |
| Region: | Northern Rhône |
| Producer: | Lionel Faury |
| Winemaker: | Lionel Faury |
| Vineyard: | Planted between 1995 and 2007, 1.35 ha |
| Soil: | Granite |
| Aging: | Aged for 6 months in 3 to 10 year old demi-muids |
| Farming: | Lutte Raisonnée |
| Alcohol: | 12.5% |
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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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Where the newsletter started
Where the newsletter started
Every three or four months I would send my clients a cheaply made list of my inventory, but it began to dawn on me that business did not pick up afterwards. It occurred to me that my clientele might not know what Château Grillet is, either. One month in 1974 I had an especially esoteric collection of wines arriving, so I decided to put a short explanation about each wine into my price list, to try and let my clients know what to expect when they uncorked a bottle. The day after I mailed that brochure, people showed up at the shop, and that is how these little propaganda pieces for fine wine were born.—Kermit Lynch