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On its own, the Domaine Perréol produces a very good Saint-Joseph red called Châtelet from limestone over granite soils, its vineyard at the top of a hill partly in the commune of Saint-Désirat, partly in the commune of Andance. Expensive, but notably pure wines here. - John Livingstone-Learmonth, drinkrhone
Somehow Monier-Perreol has been flying under the radar for Northern Rhône lovers, yet Syrah-addicted sommeliers have been smitten for some time. Perhaps the three different labels under which various wines have appeared has done the public no favors; one can find cuvées bottled by Domaine Monier, Domaine Perréol, and Domaine Monier-Perréol. The collaboration between Jean-Pierre Monier and Philippe Perreol since 2008 has nevertheless resulted in stunningly rich and elegant Syrah that is worthy of your attention. Located in the Northern part of AOC St Joseph, the domaine showcases a higher-toned style with more rounded, compact tannins and this is certainly evident in their elegant 2019s. The fruit is mostly destemmed and aged in old oak with relatively gentle extraction.
The 2019 Châtelet is the sole vineyard entirely owned and farmed by Philippe Perréol (hence the Perréol label). It is a site rich in limestone and granite and it produces wines that are particularly aromatic, vibrant and finely-structured. The wine simply thrills with energy. The wine sees one-third new oak (but large 400L barrels mind you) and includes 20% whole-cluster. The 2019 pours a shiny dark red. There’s black cherry, smoke and violet on the nose along with a touch of rosemary and pure black pepper. The palate is highly energetic with that beautiful mix of peppery fruit and chalky minerality that is so exemplary of the region. The finish is properly dry and tense with the echo of cherry stone. Here is an authoritative and elegant single-vineyard St. Joseph that will age comfortably into the 30s.
Cheers,
- Spencer
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