2012 Les Vins de Vienne Hermitage 'Les Chirats de Saint-Christophe'

The 2012 Les Chirats de Saint-Christophe Hermitage is a 'sexy' Northern Rhone delight that comes from a minuscule 1-acre plot boasting vines averaging 25 years in age. This incredibly small-production wine show unrivaled finesse and elegance for a 9-year-old Hermitage. This wine is just about to reach its optimal drinking window and can be enjoyed over the next five to ten years. At nearly 60% off this is one Northern Rhone you won't want to miss!

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

Beginning at Rhone's northernmost point in 1996, this trio purchased and rejuvenated the old terroir of the vineyard of Seyssuel, located on the left bank, north of Cote-Rotie. 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 quality 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 "viticulture reasonable", 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.

These three wines forgotten by history have come back to life by the hands of three winemakers - Yves Cuilleron, Pierre Gaillard, and François Villard. With Les Vins de Vienne they have reinvented the production of wines from Seyssuel.They make three bottles from this region: Sotanum, Taburnum, & Heluicum.

Aging: 16 months in French oak casks. 

(made with fruit that was completely destemmed): Bright purple. Sexy mineral-accented aromas of fresh red and dark berries and Asian spices, with an intense mineral overtone. Distinctly elegant and light on its feet for an Hermitage, offering juicy black raspberry and violet pastille flavors and a touch of white pepper. The mineral note repeats on the finish, which is given shape by silky, harmonious tannins. I find this sexy wine quite approachable now, but it's balanced to age. ~92 Vinous Media

Rich and plush, with warmed fig sauce, charcoal, ganache and loam notes all seamlessly layered while accents of alder, bergamot and singed cedar fill in the background. Despite the weight, this is supple enough to be approachable now. Drink now through 2022. 83 cases made. ~91 Wine Spectator

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