Vanessa

9.2

We’re loving this beautiful Laurent Fayolle Syrah from “Clos Les Cornirets,” one of only 3 monopoles in the Crozes-Hermitage appellation of the northern Rhône Valley, France.

Crozes-Hermitage AOC sits on the eastern side (left bank) of the Rhône River, wrapping around the town of Tain L’Hermitage and the famous hill of Hermitage.

Clos Les Cornirets is a small, steep, and terraced site exposed to cooling and drying influences of the Mistral wind. It’s situated on the northern (back) side of Hermitage hill above classic, stony, granitic soils. These conditions, coupled with the 70+ year old vines, create an ideal struggle for the vine, leading to smaller, more concentrated fruit with a strong spine of acidity that brings balance to the final wine.

Laurent Fayolle is the 6th generation to run this family-owned and -operated winery, farming organically, and producing both red and white wines, including several Crozes-Hermitage “crus.” He takes a lower intervention approach in the winery fermenting with wild yeast, using mostly neutral barrels, and no fining or filtering.

As for this particular wine, it’s deep ruby in color with medium (+) aromas and flavors of ripe, fresh black cherry, red and black plum, mulberry, violet, star anise, black licorice, fennel seed, clove, leather, meat, pepper, nutmeg, graphite, tobacco, crushed stone.

It’s dry with medium (+) acidity, a full body, high alcohol (15% ABV) that is balanced by the intensity of aromas and flavors. The tannins are medium (+), smooth and well-integrated. It has a long, elegant finish.

Cheers to family heirlooms that are meticulously cared for and shared with the world one vintage at a time!

— 19 days ago

with Deked1

Glenn Fiddich

9.2

this full body complex soft tannine easy going beauty comes like a wishful bomb of gentleness. a little like châteaux neuf du pape but different. I recommend, especially for its price of 14€ — 2 years ago

Josh Morgenthau

9.2

High tone nose with a touch of va/ acetone. Translucent and almost no sediment in the bottle.. really old school a la Bel Air-Marquis D’Aligre. Palate is electric, very classically structured and fresh as a daisy. Nose takes a day to start showing floral and fruit notes and classic st Julien character. Very good, almost great; the aromatics never really soar. Bought at the domaine; Jaugaret is an organic and small production family winery (surrounded by mega châteaux). — 3 years ago

Martin Portner

9.1

Very interesting experience both in the nose and after drinking it. — 2 months ago

Mark S.

9.0

Ruby. Oak, vanilla, black currant. Tannic. Later on, turned into smooth with cosmetic. Elegant! Is that Hermitage? Enough decanting is necessary to enjoy the real taste. 18 @11440, AD, 240509 — 7 months ago

Matt Waring

8.9

Ripe black fruit dominates, finish is peppery and tarry. Medium bodied but luscious feel. Very nice — a year ago

Roberto Carli

9.3

Lovely! Had it blind and couldn’t pin it, which makes sense because I almost never drink marsanne. Just ripe white peach, bright acidity, some floral notes and really good oxidative notes which to me came across as salinity more than nuttiness, a bit like fino sherry. Great wine! — 3 years ago

Mark S.

9.2

Deep cherry red with violet. Transparent edge. Oak, vanilla, chocolate, blue and black berry, black currant, black cherry. Pepper and spices. Petrol. Earthy. Smooth, mild and silky tannin. Leather. Concentrated. Elegant. Roasted. Leather. Drinkable now, 2 hours decanting is much better. Dionnieres is special!! Domaine Fayolle Fils＆Fille AOC Hermitage Les Dionnieres Rouge 19 @9900, Uk, 240601-240622 — 6 months ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

9.0

Third wine of 2nd growth #stjulien Bordeaux châteaux. Richer, almost New World style, black currant, bramble fruit, cigar box nose, decent balance on palate. Medium plus tannins that build over time. — a year ago

Paul T HB

9.5

Lunch 🥪

K&L notes as follows, Grand Pontet is an interesting property, positioned in the neighborhood of other stars of the appellation such as Châteaux Canon, Beau-Séjour-Bécot and Clos Fourtet. It is, however, a small estate, a mere 14 hectares, and its prices are much better than some of its more prestigious neighbors. In 1980 it was purchased by Gerard and Dominique Bécot, owners of the neighboring Beau-Séjour-Bécot. They have applied the same high standards to both Châteaux in their possession, and their winemaking team crafts Grand Pontet alongside the Beau-Séjour-Bécot wines. Recently purchased in 2021 by Domaines Clarence Dillon (Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion, et al.), the property was combined with and incorporated into Château Quintus. Full-bodied and luscious, this Grand Pontet is laden with ripe blackberry fruits, savory tobacco, licorice notes, and ripe, softened tannins. It’s seamless and bold, not shy. It’s going to require something decadent to pair with, such as filet mignon or some other black-tie dish with plenty of flavor and rich umami presence. — 2 years ago