Traditional, whole-cluster Cornas from steep Chaillot terraces: deep, spicy black-fruit Syrah aged in old demi-muids and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
The bunches were kept whole and the wine has been aged in two-thirds 400ltr barrels and bottled without fining or filtration. This is seductive and expressive Syrah with elegance in abundance. Lovely stuff!
Notes on the Producer
Although Guillaume Gilles was born in Lyon, from the age of eight he dreamed of following in the footsteps of his grandfather Marcel Juge, a highly-respected vigneron in Cornas. The opportunity presented itself in 2000 when Robert Michel, a leading grower in the same appellation, offered him a job as an apprentice. He worked with Robert until his retirement in 2006, followed by a stint for Jean-Louis Chave in Hermitage before striking out on his own in 2007 and finally renting 2ha from Robert in the fine lieu-dit of Chaillot. Guillaume now farms a total of 5ha, mostly in Cornas, including one that he planted in the lieu-dit Les Rieux at 400-450m altitude, from which he makes a more delicate and perfumed version of Cornas that rarely goes above 13% alc. He’s also planning to build his winery and house there to be immersed in nature, as it’s such a magical place with breath-taking views over the valley and its vineyards. For now he still vinifies and barrel ages his wines underneath Robert Michel’s house, in an old atmospheric cellar in the centre of Cornas at Number 1 Grand Rue.
