Our tasting impressions
A lovely robe that is garnet at the rim and blackish at the core. The nose is precise and bursting with youthful Syrah flavors and just a sweet kiss of new oak. The tannins are smooth but pronounced on the finish. The fruit is bright and beautiful. This has all the savory, beefy flavors one expects from Hermitage with an overlay of the Pichon finesse. It's vigorous and bright with a very provocative and lengthy finish. Surprisingly approachable but there is plenty more to be revealed in time.
About this wine
Hermitage has been recognized as one of the world's great wines for centuries. It's a relatively small production appellation and demand for it is intense.
A brand new offering from PIchon from purchased grapes. All Syrah planted 50 years ago at a .75-ha site with loam, clay and limestone soil. The vines yield 35 hl/ha. The grapes are handpicked and whole clusters are crushed with a pneumatic press. Cold fermentation (and malolactic) is spontaneous. The wine spends 18 months in oak barrels, of which 30% are new.
About the grape
Syrah is the sixth most planted grape worldwide. It thrives on steep slopes because of the dry climate and soil that enable deep root penetration. The grapes are small and dark-skinned high in acid and tannins.
About the vintage
2021 was extremely challenging for grape growing regions throughout Europe -Northern Rhône included. But very good wines were possible from diligent farmers and, lower yields produce more complex wines. Very mild and dry conditions at the start of the growing season prompted early bud break. So, when the spring frosts hit, there was signifiant loss of grapes. Frequent summer thunderstorms and generally high humidity posed further issues and limited sunshine made it difficult for the grapes to ripen. Ultimately, while generally lighter, the wines have good energy and balance.
The Pichon family is a growing force in the Northern Rhône region. Corentin, the eldest of the six children of Isabelle and Christophe, is a young, talented, 3rd generation winemaker. But this is every bit the family business as all of his 5 siblings are involved, along with Corentin's partner and mom and dad.
Based in Chavanay, the Pichons produce wines of elegance and finesse in a variety of appellations spanning more than 20 hectares. Chemical treatment of the mostly Syrah and Viognier vineyards is kept to a bare minimum. In addition to those from their own vines, they also purchase grapes for other wines.
VDLT has been visiting the Pichons for many years and is proud to include them as a foundation of the portfolio.
