Yves Cuilleron Syrah Les Vignes d’A Cote 2021 – 750ml Redneck Wine Company

90pts  Vinous

Brilliant ruby. High-pitched red and blue fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of candied flowers and white pepper. Juicy and tightly focused on the palate, offering bitter cherry and black raspberry flavors that show firm tension and spicy cut. Clings with very good tenacity on the finish, which features subtle tannins and lingering spiciness.

Winemaker Notes

The Cuilleron estate, located in Verlieu, a hamlet of Chavanay just south of Condrieu, is one of the benchmark producers of the Rhône. Proprietor Yves Cuilleron makes an assortment of wines from multiple appellations, including Condrieu, Saint Péray, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint Joseph, Côte Rôtie, and a range of terrific varietally labelled Vin de Pays from the Collines Rhodaniennes. Most vines are grown on terraces which means all vineyard work is done by hand. In the cellar, grapes are fermented using indigenous yeasts; the white wines are fermented in barrels of various sizes and ages and kept on the lees with regular battonage; the reds are partially destemmed, and fermentation occurs in open top cuves.

The IGP Collines Rhodaniennes Les Vignes d’à Côté is made of 100% Syrah from vines planted on a mix of granite and alluvial soils. All grapes are hand-harvested, partially destemmed and fermented with native yeasts in open top, temperature-controlled vats. The wine is then aged for eight months in a mix of stainless steel and oak barrels. This Syrah shows features a beautiful deep purple color with an expressive nose that delivers a gorgeous purity of black fruits combined with notes of spice and violets. On the palate, the wine burst with fruit intensity complemented by a lovely mineral undertone that flow into a refreshing and surprisingly complex finish. Enjoy with roasted chicken thighs seasoned with smoked paprika.