SOUILLARD CROZES-HERMITAGE LES HABRARDS ROUGE 2022

SOUILLARD CROZES-HERMITAGE LES HABRARDS ROUGE 2022Jean Baptiste Souillard is a winemaker from the Northern Rhone region in France, known for his meticulous approach to viticulture and vinification. His Roussanne vineyard, located in the southern part of the Ardche, is planted on a steep east facing slope with granite and sandstone soils at an elevation of 380 450 meters. Souillard practices lutte raisonne, a sustainable approach to viticulture that minimizes chemical use. From a tiny 0. 25 acre

Jean-Baptiste Souillard is a winemaker from the Northern Rhone region in France, known for his meticulous approach to viticulture and vinification. His Roussanne vineyard, located in the southern part of the Ardèche, is planted on a steep east-facing slope with granite and sandstone soils at an elevation of 380-450 meters. Souillard practices lutte raisonnée, a sustainable approach to viticulture that minimizes chemical use. From a tiny 0.25 acre parcel in the village of Gervans, this unique Syrah is grown on a very steep, terraced slope facing west towards the Rhône River. The vines, some planted in the early 1970s and others replanted in the 2000s, are rooted in deep silty soils over blue granite bedrock. The distinct terroir expresses intense mineral tones and freshness from the granite soils combined with richness from the western sun exposure. On the nose, notes of cracked pepper, smoky meat, and wild blueberry mingle with floral violet aromas. The palate is full-bodied yet vibrant, with layers of black fruit, crushed rock, licorice, and savory olive tapenade flavors framed by muscular but fine-grained tannins. Made with traditional winemaking of whole-cluster fermentation and aging in neutral oak, this is an age-worthy yet approachable expression of the unique Les Habrards lieu-dit bottled unfined and unfiltered. The western sloping granite terraces yield a Syrah of rustic charm and stony minerality balanced by lush, sun-kissed fruit.