2017 Pierre Gonon Vin de Pays de l'Ardeche Les Iles Feray #150444872
Reviews 90 points Wine Advocate "...mixes herbal overtones with blueberries and olives. It's medium to full-bodied, maybe not quite as fleshy or silky as the 2018 but vibrant and delicious. It even adds hints of licorice on the mouthwatering finish. (JC)" 92 points Vinous "Saturated ruby. Expressive blackberry, exotic spice, peony and smoky mineral scents show very sharp delineation and pick up a hint of olive with air. Sappy, spice-laced dark berry and bitter cherry flavors display very good depth and a complementary hint of candied flowers that emerges on the back half. Broad and pliant in style, finishing with strong, floral- and spice-dominated persistence and rounded tannins that contribute gentle grip. (JR)"
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About Pierre Gonon
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.