Domaine Guillaume Gilles Cotes du Rhone Les Peyrouses, France 2023

A terrific discovery from one of the Northern Rhône’s most talented traditional vignerons. Guillaume Gilles’ Les Peyrouses is essentially a mini-Cornas, made from old-vine Syrah grown on the flats near Cornas. The wine delivers generous aromas of blackberry, black cherry, violet, cracked pepper and savory herbs, with the earthy, feral character that makes Northern Rhône Syrah so compelling. The palate is beautifully textured, combining ripe dark fruit with fine tannins, freshness and a lingering mineral finish. Made with the same thoughtful, hands-on approach as Gilles’ more prestigious Cornas wines, this is an exceptional opportunity to experience his style at a more approachable level.