Buy Fine Wines
Domaine Monier Perreol, Saint Joseph, Terres Blanches, 2014
In Stock Now!
Restless experimentation and investment continues chez Monier. The latest toys in the pursuit of perfection are very expensive concrete eggs for the whites; and he has been experimenting with the preservative properties of pyramids. Jean-Pierre has been farming organically since the 1980s and biodynamically since 1993, long before this extreme and fascinating branch of organic viticulture became fashionable: his wines are certified by Ecocert. Whatever his means, he unfailingly produces wonderfully flavoursome, well-oaked wines which are hugely admired within France and seem to go down very well with sommeliers at smart London restaurants too!
Both reds are 100% Syrah, destemmed after 12 hours cold soak, then given a temperature controlled fermentation before spending 12 months in barrel. The straight Saint Joseph comes from 30 year old vines near the cellar and goes into about 20% new oak. The low-yielding production of Terre Blanche (about 30% new oak, all aged naturally for seven years) derives from limestone/clay parcels on more steeply pitched vineyards.
Early days, but a wine of such finesse, melding vanilla and clove oak aromas with silky blackberry fruit. Now-2024