Jean-Pierre Monier originally sold his grapes to the local cooperative, however the noticeable quality his vines were producing was enough for him to start his own label. In 2008 Jean-Pierre combined his resources with Philippe Perréol and together they have Domaine Monier-Perreol in addition to their individual labels. These Syrah vines are planted on granite and loess and harvested using biodynamic methods in the Northern Rhone region of Saint Joseph near the town of Saint Désirat. 

2021 can’t have been an easy vintage in St Joseph, yet Monier-Perréol seems to have nailed the balance between fruity ripeness and sapid soil notes. The robe is a dark translucent ruby (a whisper shy of purple). The nose offers an array of pretty and sapid (violets, plum skin, wild blueberry, game bird) aromas, with enough soil notes to keep things interesting. The palate is reserved—just this side of lean—with soil, game, and bosky herbal notes dominating, though there is ripeness and generosity coiled within. This needs a minute but seems like is only need a king decant to offer its mineral, forest-fruited self. Excellent, but give it a few hours in the decanter or better still five years in the cellar. Tasty if only nascently complex.

Pairing: roast lamb

Grapes: Syrah

Viticulture: Organic and Biodynamic