2011 Les Vins de Vienne Cornas 'Les Barcillants'

A collaboration by the Rhone Valleys' most established names, Les Vins de Vienne is a partnership of Yves Cuilleron, Francois Villard, and Pierre Gaillard. Three superstars, Syrah-specialist vignerons in the Rhône. The 2011 Les Vins de Vienne Cornas 'Les Barcillants' is from a pristine single-vineyard whose vines average 40 years in age. Having finally reached the echelon on vine maturation this Cornas is singing and she's fine-tuned with complex flavors the penetrate deep into the palate. This single-vineyard Cornas is just entering its prime and is hitting all the right notes. Time to hear her sing!

Beginning in 1996, this trio purchased and rejuvenated the old terroir of the vineyard of Seyssuel, located on the left bank, north of Cote-Rotie, in the northern part of the Rhone. It was Gaillard's readings of historic writers that led him to Seyssuel, home to famed wines during the Roman era, the Middle Ages, and the 19th century. The wines of Le Vins de Vienne are typical of Northern Rhone terroir that are guaranteed to over-deliver. 

When Cuilleron first visited Seyssuel, he looked up at the rising slopes and noted their exposure to the sun. As the vigneron and proprietor at Cave Yves Cuilleron, Yves remains committed to the entire process from vine-planting to bottling, controlling every aspect of his wines. Practicing "reasonable viticulture", he aims to "produce the best possible grapes" to make "100% homemade wines" both at his own estate and at Les Vins de Vienne.

The wines of Les Vins de Vienne are adored by the Michelin acclaimed chef Patrick Henriroux and have been on the wine list of his restaurant, La Pyramide, one of Vienne’s legendary restaurants since 2000. 

Aging: 16 months in 75% new French Oak