Grapes: 100% Syrah. Vineyards: Ampuis & Saint Cyr. Yield: 44Hl/Ha. Soil: Decomposed shale and quartz. Average vine age : 20 years. Production: 26 500 bottles.
Notes of mocha, herb, pepper and plum combine explosively on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied and intense without being overly weighty. Creamy-textured, rich and layered, this finishes with impressive persistence and grip for a red wine that's so approachable now.
96 Pts - The Wine Advocate.
François Villard is one of the stars of the northern Rhône. He came to winegrowing after a career in restaurants, where he caught the wine bug and moved from chef to sommelier. He went full time as a winegrower in 1991, and was entirely self taught, although he has a close friendship with Yves Cuilleron.