Taste
Cherries,black olive,violet,dark berries,blueberry;medium to full-bodied,seamless,layered
- BrandAlain Graillot
- CountryFrance
- RegionRhone
- TypeRed Wine
- Size750ml
- Winemaking Unfiltered or unfined
- SKU 210000049192
Grapes & winemaking
- Grapes
- 100% Syrah
- Farming
- Organically farmed — Estate organic farming predates2022
Certified organic vineyards;Ecocert - Winemaking
- Unfiltered ; Fined
Pierre Gonon is a benchmark estate in the Saint-Joseph appellation of the northern Rhône. It is known particularly for its gutsy, spicy red wine from the Syrah grape.
Pierre Gonon established his eponymous estate in 1988 and today, it remains family owned and operated. The 10 hectares (25 acres) of vineyards are situated on the best granite hillside sites at Tournon, Mauves and Saint-Jean-de-Muzols. These vineyards have been certified organic since 2004.
In the winery, Syrah grapes are partially de-stemmed, and then vinified with natural yeasts in large open vats. A twice daily pump-overs or punch-downs regime is employed to ensure a slow and control extraction of tannins. The wines are aged for 14 to 16 months in 600 liter barrels, with no new oak at all. Pierre Gonon's key wine, in terms of production, is its Saint-Joseph red, but it also makes small amounts of an IGP Ardèche Syrah that spends ten months in large barrels.
Critical Acclaim
96 Wine Advocate
The 2022 Saint-Joseph from Pierre Gonon is a beauty. Despite a slightly introverted bouquet, it is bursting with aromas of cherries, black olive, violet, dark berries and blueberry. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and layered with a textural attack, it's pure with a fleshy core of fruit framed by supple tannins and a refreshing perfumed mid-palate that culminates in an ethereal, long and delicately floral finish. Despite a dry vintage, this refined, precise wine is full of freshness. It will require patience (10 to 15 years). Kudos!
95 Vinous
The medium-bodied 2022 Saint-Joseph will delight Gonon fans. Pronounced floral notes rise up from the glass, mingling with ripe red fruits, orange rind, cedar and delicate earthy subtleties. Despite the warm vintage, there’s no trace of heat in this refreshing 2022, showing stylistic similarities to the outstanding 2020. Ripe tannins provide excellent grip to what will surely be an energetic and exuberant Gonon with secure aging potential.
93 Jeb Dunnuck
Black and red fruits, licorice, graphite, dried herbs, and chocolate notes all define the 2022 Saint Joseph. Medium to full-bodied and beautifully balanced, it offers plenty of ripe tannins and impressive concentration while staying elegant and fresh. This age-worthy Saint Joseph will benefit from short-term cellaring.