Pierre Gonon
Saint-Joseph Syrah
St. Joseph, Northern Rhône, Rhône, France
The 2021 Saint-Joseph used roughly 50% whole-clusters during fermentation. In comparison, 2022 saw 85% inclusion, while in 2017, no destemming was applied. Coming in at 12.5% alcohol, the deep purple-hued 2021 unfurls with pretty red fruits paired with leafy undertones and cedar. Orange blossom and rose petal add welcome floral lift. Light to medium in body, this is a delicate Gonon, neatly framed by velvety tannins and bright acidity. It should drink well right out of the gate. Tasted twice with consistent notes. (Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous, March 2024)
The 2021 Saint-Joseph used roughly 50% whole-clusters during fermentation. In comparison, 2022 saw 85% inclusion, while in 2017, no destemming was applied. Coming in at 12.5% alcohol, the deep purple-hued 2021 unfurls with pretty red fruits paired with leafy undertones and cedar. Orange blossom and rose petal add welcome floral lift. Light to medium in body, this is a delicate Gonon, neatly framed by velvety tannins and bright acidity. It should drink well right out of the gate. Tasted twice with consistent notes. (Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous, March 2024)
A buddy of mine and I dropped into one of my favorite little cafes in Omaha to get a bite and share a bottle. We grabbed a table and I scampered off to select something from the wall. As I walked over to the Rhone section, I began to scan the labels and about fell over when I saw three bottles of Gonon low-key just chillin…priced under $70. At this point, there was no question what we would be drinking tonight.
Popped and poured; no formal notes. I fully knew this was going to be somewhat considered infanticide but how was I going to pass this opportunity up? The nose is classic Northern Rhone with olives, black pepper, bacon fat and gorgeous blue and red fruits. The tannins are medium+; the acid matches. And the texture? Well, she thiccc but there is a sexy confidence that is enormously becoming. Finish is long and super satisfying. Fun to try young but I expect this to be a very lovely bottle for many years to come. Drink now with some patience (and an open mind) or through 2034 with ease. Oh…and you best believe we took the other two bottles home with us.
A buddy of mine and I dropped into one of my favorite little cafes in Omaha to get a bite and share a bottle. We grabbed a table and I scampered off to select something from the wall. As I walked over to the Rhone section, I began to scan the labels and about fell over when I saw three bottles of Gonon low-key just chillin…priced under $70. At this point, there was no question what we would be drinking tonight.
Popped and poured; no formal notes. I fully knew this was going to be somewhat considered infanticide but how was I going to pass this opportunity up? The nose is classic Northern Rhone with olives, black pepper, bacon fat and gorgeous blue and red fruits. The tannins are medium+; the acid matches. And the texture? Well, she thiccc but there is a sexy confidence that is enormously becoming. Finish is long and super satisfying. Fun to try young but I expect this to be a very lovely bottle for many years to come. Drink now with some patience (and an open mind) or through 2034 with ease. Oh…and you best believe we took the other two bottles home with us.
Bday vibes. So young and raw, it’s dense fruit just a front for the iron and granite core behind it. Love how primal and primary this is right now, on it’s way to greatness
Bday vibes. So young and raw, it’s dense fruit just a front for the iron and granite core behind it. Love how primal and primary this is right now, on it’s way to greatness
Jan 2nd, 2023
First time trying the 18. A stunner as expected.
First time trying the 18. A stunner as expected.
Nov 18th, 2022Drinking Gonon with Jeremy…
Drinking Gonon with Jeremy…
Oct 14th, 2022
2017 N Rhones are having a moment. My goodness this is wonderful. Olives, blackberry, red berries, so vivid and pure. Gaminess. So deep and pure. Nimble. Long. Granitic. No formal notes.
2017 N Rhones are having a moment. My goodness this is wonderful. Olives, blackberry, red berries, so vivid and pure. Gaminess. So deep and pure. Nimble. Long. Granitic. No formal notes.
Jul 24th, 2022
No lack of concentration. Bloody. Meaty. A bit brothy at first but this blows off and resolves into a powerful, elegant bouquet of black licorice, exotic black pepper and nutmeg, grape candy, crushed mint. Beneath is a juicy, salty, smokey and bacony wine that is silky and flavorful. Powerful but much meatoer than I prefer, I wouldn’t call this elegant.
No lack of concentration. Bloody. Meaty. A bit brothy at first but this blows off and resolves into a powerful, elegant bouquet of black licorice, exotic black pepper and nutmeg, grape candy, crushed mint. Beneath is a juicy, salty, smokey and bacony wine that is silky and flavorful. Powerful but much meatoer than I prefer, I wouldn’t call this elegant.
May 26th, 2022
Showing pretty well for the early stages of its drinking window after a 2 hour decant. It’s floral, dark fruited and clear Gonon with its black olive tapenade, mineral, and violet inflicted aromas. The palate does show its youth with powdery tannins and compact structure. But I am always a fan of these wines and this will continue to develop nicely.
Showing pretty well for the early stages of its drinking window after a 2 hour decant. It’s floral, dark fruited and clear Gonon with its black olive tapenade, mineral, and violet inflicted aromas. The palate does show its youth with powdery tannins and compact structure. But I am always a fan of these wines and this will continue to develop nicely.
Feb 24th, 202210 years young. An epic bottle. Purple olive, sumac, and black pepper.
10 years young. An epic bottle. Purple olive, sumac, and black pepper.
Oct 25th, 2021