Domaine Pierre Gonon - Les Iles Feray 2023
In Mauves, on the historic slopes of Saint Joseph, Domaine Pierre Gonon has established itself as an absolute reference for great classic-inspired Rhone red wines. The family cultivates Syrah as a true terroir wine, with meticulous work on the granitic soils, modest yields, and perfectly controlled ripeness. The vineyard is managed in an artisanal way, with mainly manual work and constant attention to the balance of the vine. In the cellar, the vinifications remain low-intervention, driven by indigenous yeasts, gentle extractions, and long aging in large wooden vats and old barrels. The house style favors finesse, freshness, and drinkability rather than demonstrative power. Les Iles Feray is the most immediate and gourmand expression of this style.
Les Iles Feray 2023 comes from a selection of Syrah parcels mostly located at the bottom of slopes and on slightly deeper zones, where decomposed granites mix with light clays. The 2023 vintage, bright yet balanced, allowed for complete phenolic ripeness while maintaining a beautiful acidic framework. The harvest is entirely manual, with a significant portion of whole cluster picking to bring energy, floral notes, and spicy complexity. Fermentations take place in tanks with measured pump-overs, in a spirit of infusion rather than massive extraction. The aging is then done in large wooden vats and several-use barrels to refine the tannins without imprinting the wine with wood. The result is a Saint Joseph style that is more accessible than the domaine cuvée, while remaining deeply rooted in the Pierre Gonon signature.
On the palate, Les Iles Feray 2023 reveals a radiant nose of violet, fresh black fruits, crunchy raspberry, and black pepper, lifted by a subtle smoky touch. On the palate, the attack is juicy and immediate, with pure fruit supported by fine, tight tannins that shape a slender structure. The mid-palate blends blackberry, blackcurrant, small red berries, graphite notes, and a hint of black olive, in a supple yet firm texture. The finish is long, fresh, slightly saline, marked by spices, dried herbs, and a persistent return of black fruits. At the table, this cuvée ideally accompanies roasted poultry, herb-crusted rack of lamb, grilled veal chop, or refined bistro cuisine. It also shows superbly with structured vegetarian dishes, such as a sauté of mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or a root vegetable gratin.
Grape varieties: 100% Syrah
