Back to SommPicks US
Early AccessSommPicks EU Direct
2012 Pierre Gonon St. Joseph Blanc Les Oliviers #226193015
750ml
1 In Stock
1 In Stock
Our Notes
Gonon's red wines have gone above ground, and correspondingly, prices have skyrocketed; his two whites have not kept pace, making this a serious buy. Les Oliviers is regarded as the best white vineyard in St. Joseph, and one sip here confirms it. Mostly marsanne, with the remainder roussanne, this wine has the expected richness and ripe stone fruit flavors, but an early harvest date keeps the zesty freshness and mineral core needed to provide structure. This is my top white wine in the Rhone, full stop.
Reviews 91 points Wine Advocate "...is a ripe, rounded white that has medium to full-bodied richness, as well as a touch of honey in its white peach, pineapple and floral bouquet. (JD)" 91 points Vinous "Green-tinged gold. High-pitched aromas of lemon zest, green apple and white flowers, with smoky mineral and ginger notes emerging with aeration. Taut, vibrant citrus and orchard fruit flavors are dry, precise and nervy, with honeysuckle and licorice nuances emerging on the back half. Finishes with excellent clarity and persistence and echoes of citrus fruits and minerals. In a decidedly racy style for this bottling and as deep in mineral character as most white Hermitages out there. (JR)"
Ridiculously low 2-day shipping. Add to cart to calculate cost.
Also From Pierre Gonon
About Pierre Gonon
Domaine Pierre Gonon, based in Mauves, in the heart of St. Joseph, is revered for producing some of the greatest Syrah in the world. The Gonon brothers, Pierre and Jean, uphold a distinct and conventional winemaking approach that sets them apart from their contemporaries. They personally oversee their ten-hectare vineyards, guaranteeing the growth of high-quality, low-yielding grapes, which is reflected in the complex character of their wines.
The Gonon brothers apply traditional manual methods, including foot crushing of grapes and stem inclusion during fermentation. These techniques, when combined with their organic farming practices, lead to wines with classic black olive, violet, and game aromatics and a refreshing delicacy indicative of the region.
Based in the historic heart of Saint Joseph, Pierre, and Jean Gonon are considered spiritual successors of Raymond Trollat, a respected figure in Rhone Valley winemaking. Their vineyards, located in Mauves, Tournon, and Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, are sites of steep, east and southeast-facing slopes with poor, well-draining granite and gneiss soils that echo the legendary hill of Hermitage across the Rhône. They perpetuate genetic diversity by replanting using sélection massale cuttings from their robust vines, preserving healthy rootstock.
The Gonon brothers work their vineyards organically, even utilizing horse plowing on the steep slopes. Their dedication to traditional farming is reflected in the certifications received for organic farming in 2013. Once harvested, they ferment the wines traditionally in open oak vats with regular foot punch-downs. The high proportion of stem inclusion in the reds adds to the wine's classic aromatics and aging potential.
Their Syrah wines, spanning from Côte Rôtie, Cornas to St. Joseph, are renowned for their brilliance and traditionalism. These wines perfectly capture the appellation's wild, savory, yet fresh and mineral character, becoming increasingly appreciated by a growing circle of wine connoisseurs.
Pierre Gonon's wines have become highly coveted due to their purity of character and their steadfast commitment to traditional methods. Despite the rising demand and soaring prices, the Gonon brothers remain focused on maintaining their artisanal approach, ensuring that each bottle encapsulates their passion and dedication to the art of winemaking. Their wines offer a unique expression of the terroir, making them a must-have for any wine enthusiast.
The Gonon brothers apply traditional manual methods, including foot crushing of grapes and stem inclusion during fermentation. These techniques, when combined with their organic farming practices, lead to wines with classic black olive, violet, and game aromatics and a refreshing delicacy indicative of the region.
Based in the historic heart of Saint Joseph, Pierre, and Jean Gonon are considered spiritual successors of Raymond Trollat, a respected figure in Rhone Valley winemaking. Their vineyards, located in Mauves, Tournon, and Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, are sites of steep, east and southeast-facing slopes with poor, well-draining granite and gneiss soils that echo the legendary hill of Hermitage across the Rhône. They perpetuate genetic diversity by replanting using sélection massale cuttings from their robust vines, preserving healthy rootstock.
The Gonon brothers work their vineyards organically, even utilizing horse plowing on the steep slopes. Their dedication to traditional farming is reflected in the certifications received for organic farming in 2013. Once harvested, they ferment the wines traditionally in open oak vats with regular foot punch-downs. The high proportion of stem inclusion in the reds adds to the wine's classic aromatics and aging potential.
Their Syrah wines, spanning from Côte Rôtie, Cornas to St. Joseph, are renowned for their brilliance and traditionalism. These wines perfectly capture the appellation's wild, savory, yet fresh and mineral character, becoming increasingly appreciated by a growing circle of wine connoisseurs.
Pierre Gonon's wines have become highly coveted due to their purity of character and their steadfast commitment to traditional methods. Despite the rising demand and soaring prices, the Gonon brothers remain focused on maintaining their artisanal approach, ensuring that each bottle encapsulates their passion and dedication to the art of winemaking. Their wines offer a unique expression of the terroir, making them a must-have for any wine enthusiast.