This vineyard site may present the best value in the entire region. La Viallère sits directly below the iconic Les Grandes Places vineyard, at 200-230 meters above sea level. Gérin owns and farms 1.8 hectares of 20+ year-old vines that are a combination of Massale selection and planted clones, grown in micaschiste soil on south/southeastern-facing hillsides.
The grapes of this 100% Syrah are all hand-harvested and 100% destemmed before a long 30-day maceration that provides intense extraction and aromatics. The wine is aged for 22 months in demi-muids (600L oak barrels) of which 40% is new before bottling.
Press Notes :
95 points, James Suckling – “Very impressive with a slightly dialed-back oak influence (back to 60% from 100% new demi-muid), this has a beautifully rich nose with dark-cherry and chocolate aromas in a fresh, attractive mode. The palate has a reasonably dense feel to the tannins. A very sleek and fine, juicy and long feel here. So fleshy with so much blackberry and black cherry fruit. Best from 2025.”