2012 Les Vins de Vienne Cote Rôtie Les Archevêques

A collaboration by the Rhone Valleys' most established names, Les Vins de Vienne is a partnership of Yves Cuilleron, Francois Villard, and Pierre Gaillard. Three superstars, Syrah-specialist vignerons in the Rhône. 

Beginning in 1996, this trio purchased and rejuvenated the old terroir of the vineyard of Seyssuel, located on the left bank, north of Cote-Rotie, in the northern part of the Rhone. It was Gaillard's readings of historic writers that led him to Seyssuel, home to famed wines during the Roman era, the Middle Ages, and the 19th century. The wines of Le Vins de Vienne are typical of Northern Rhone terroir that are guaranteed to over-deliver. You won't find Village level Northern Rhone, at a better price!  

When Cuilleron first visited Seyssuel, he looked up at the rising slopes and noted their exposure to the sun. As the vigneron and proprietor at Cave Yves Cuilleron, Yves remains committed to the entire process from vine-planting to bottling, controlling every aspect of his wines. Practicing "reasonable viticulture", he aims to "produce the best possible grapes" to make "100% homemade wines" both at his own estate and at Les Vins de Vienne.

The wines of Les Vins de Vienne are adored by the Michelin acclaimed chef Patrick Henriroux and have been on the wine list of his restaurant, La Pyramide, one of Vienne’s legendary restaurants since 2000. 

Aging: 16 months in 50% new French oak casks

 Red Wine. 100% Syrah. A superb, deep black cherry color. On the nose, complex and elegant with notes of spices, violets, and black fruit and vanilla. If you love smoked meat and bacon, you’ll love this wine! On the palate, powerful, structured notes of black fruit, herbs, white pepper, and blueberry. Delicious with game such as duck, hare, or pigeon, but also perfect with a roasted entrecote steak. 

Offers a fleshy, velvety feel, with a core of steeped plum, fig, and blackberry paste flavors. Features subtle black tea and bergamot notes, with fine-grained hints of singed alder and iron lining the long finish. Best from 2015 through 2027. 125 cases made.~93 Wine Spectator

(from a piece of Le Plomb that's owned by Les Vins de Vienne): Inky ruby. Heady black and blue fruit scents are complicated by notes of licorice, dark chocolate, olive, and pipe tobacco. Stains the palate with intense boysenberry and violet pastille flavors, with smoky mineral and peppery spice nuances providing lift and definition. This lively, pure wine finishes with excellent cut, velvety tannins and a lingering floral quality. ~92 Vinous Media

***Free Shipping on 6 or More Bottles of this Wine***