Jean Baptiste Souillard - Crozes Hermitage 2023
Based in the northern Rhône Valley, Jean-Baptiste Souillard has distinguished himself through his meticulous work on tiny plots, employing a minimal-intervention approach. He favors extended aging, gentle extraction, and a Burgundian vision of Syrah, focused on finesse and purity rather than power. His Crozes-Hermitage wines are thus conceived as true terroir wines: chiseled, profound, and remarkably drinkable.
The 2023 Crozes-Hermitage comes from Syrah vines planted in soils that blend pebbles, clay, and sand, providing both structure and freshness. The grapes are harvested by hand, with a significant proportion of whole bunches, followed by a slow fermentation in concrete vats to preserve the fruit's vibrancy and the wine's infused character. Aging takes place in barrels and demi-muids that have held several vintages, on fine lees, to refine the tannins without imparting oak influence.
On the nose, a precise bouquet of violet, fresh black fruit, raspberry, black pepper, and light smoky notes is revealed. On the palate, the Syrah is juicy and elegant, with firm yet fine tannins, crisp fruit, and a beautiful tension that lengthens the structure. The finish is long, slightly saline and spicy, leaving an impression of freshness and excellent digestibility. At the table, this 2023 Crozes-Hermitage pairs perfectly with roast poultry, veal chop, herb-crusted rack of lamb, hearty bistro fare, or vegetarian dishes featuring mushrooms and roasted vegetables.
Grape variety: 100% Syrah
