Pierre Gonon
Les Iles Feray Pays de l'Ardèche Syrah
Ardèche, Rhône, France
Incredible. Always a showstopper.
Incredible. Always a showstopper.
Feb 12th, 2023
Brought to Tasting Group, popped and poured, and then served double-blind to the group. In the glass, the wine pours a transparent ruby color, with no signs of sediment. Medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is redolent of dark fruits, black pepper, olives, olives, and olives with some purple flowers and gravelly minerals added to the mix. On the palate, confirming the fruit and non-fruit characteristics. The wine is bone dry with medium tannins and medium+ acid. Due to the non-fruit characteristics, it is very difficult to place this in the New World, although there are some new producers, making wine similar to this. That being said, it’s hard to get outside of the Northern Rhône, vacillating between Côte Rôtie, Cornas, and Saint Joseph (no one in the group felt the oak was lavish enough for Hermitage). There were good arguments for each…and then the reveal. What a joy to drink this. Too bad even the “Les Iles Feray” has become near unobtainium. If someone wants to experience what Northern Rhône Syrah is supposed to taste like, this would be a contender for Exhibit A. The 2019 “Les Iles Feray” will be enjoyable for many years but I think this should be enjoyed in its youth. Drink now or over the next 5-10 years.
Brought to Tasting Group, popped and poured, and then served double-blind to the group. In the glass, the wine pours a transparent ruby color, with no signs of sediment. Medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is redolent of dark fruits, black pepper, olives, olives, and olives with some purple flowers and gravelly minerals added to the mix. On the palate, confirming the fruit and non-fruit characteristics. The wine is bone dry with medium tannins and medium+ acid. Due to the non-fruit characteristics, it is very difficult to place this in the New World, although there are some new producers, making wine similar to this. That being said, it’s hard to get outside of the Northern Rhône, vacillating between Côte Rôtie, Cornas, and Saint Joseph (no one in the group felt the oak was lavish enough for Hermitage). There were good arguments for each…and then the reveal. What a joy to drink this. Too bad even the “Les Iles Feray” has become near unobtainium. If someone wants to experience what Northern Rhône Syrah is supposed to taste like, this would be a contender for Exhibit A. The 2019 “Les Iles Feray” will be enjoyable for many years but I think this should be enjoyed in its youth. Drink now or over the next 5-10 years.
Nov 25th, 2022Favorite. Would make this my house wine if I could.
Favorite. Would make this my house wine if I could.
Sep 28th, 2021
Ripe, heady, full throttled juice, reminiscent of Crozes-Hermitage with it’s juiciness. There’s some sinew to it. Coulis, Chambord, soaked cherries, cherry wood, bbq meat, creosote, tapenade, Provençal herbs, a slight kiss of balsamic, stones, licorice whip. Love the overtness of this 2018 has
Ripe, heady, full throttled juice, reminiscent of Crozes-Hermitage with it’s juiciness. There’s some sinew to it. Coulis, Chambord, soaked cherries, cherry wood, bbq meat, creosote, tapenade, Provençal herbs, a slight kiss of balsamic, stones, licorice whip. Love the overtness of this 2018 has
Mar 31st, 2021
Really love the tannins structure in this vintage
Really love the tannins structure in this vintage
3 people found it helpfulApr 22nd, 2015Whoa! The ‘17 is crushing it. N. Rhône Syrah trough and through.
Whoa! The ‘17 is crushing it. N. Rhône Syrah trough and through.
1 person found it helpfulFeb 22nd, 2020Gonon in 60 seconds
Gonon in 60 seconds
1 person found it helpfulOct 3rd, 2019
the traditional harvey pregame
the traditional harvey pregame
1 person found it helpfulOct 15th, 2016Young but unbelievably exuberant fruit and crushed stone and flowers and lightness. Young but ready to please.
Young but unbelievably exuberant fruit and crushed stone and flowers and lightness. Young but ready to please.
1 person found it helpfulJun 28th, 2015