Domaine des Pierres Seches Saint-Joseph Blanc 2018

Wow! This is a head-turner. Rich, opulent, echo-deep and characterized by wildly complex and aromatic citrus flowers, kumquat zest and ripe stone fruits. We’ll be drinking this all summer long with no worries! Don’t miss at this price!

Burgundy-trained, Sylvain Gauthier works his 80+ year-old vines from the tiny lieu-dit “Sainte-Épine” made famous by the likes of Delas, Gonon and Trollat. He is an artisan who already has found more than solid footing here in the Saint-Joseph appellation, combining traditional and modern winemaking, creating some of the most polished wines we know of in the appellation. He started his micro-domaine in 2007, and the name “pierres sèches” is inspired by the many hand-built stone walls that support vineyard terraces in the region.

Originally from northern France, Sylvain studied winemaking in Beaune. After his studies he secured a post with Michel Chapoutier, then another with Stéphane Robert in Saint-Peray, before deciding that Saint-Joseph was where he would stake a claim on his own.

Sylvain’s native talents are on full display in each and every bottle, whether Saint-Joseph Rouge or Blanc. These are wines with serious soul, deeply flavored yet effortlessly elegant, a perfect mirror for the rugged beauty of northern Rhône grapes. While it lasts...!

PAIRING IDEAS: A killer charcuterie plate is fantastic with Roussanne, especially with a rich, creamy pate. Another great choice for dinner is lobster or king crab, in a cream sauce or with butter/lemon. MMM.

MUSIC SUGGESTIONS: We like the unfussy tunes and profoundly expressive, diverse voice of Ray LaMontagne for this wine -- puts us in a happy, mellow, peaceful mood!