Aurélien Chatagnier's story began in 2002 with 1.2 hectares of local wines. With the help of a number of fellow winemakers (he used to make wine at Pierre Gaillard's estate), Aurélien Chatagnier expanded his estate by gradually replanting vines on uncultivated family land, particularly in the Saint Joseph appellation, and then buying new plots. Today, the vines grow on 8 hectares of magmatic rock, dominated by granite and metamorphic rock, which offers good resistance to erosion on the steep slopes of the vineyard. Aurélien Chatagnier is one of the rising stars of the Northern Rhône, recognised by his peers in particular for his Saint-Joseph cuvée 'Sybarite', a cuvée of pure Syrah on granite soil, from the commune of Charnas, with a surface area of just 0.25 hectares, producing around 1,200 bottles a year. This parcel-selected cuvée is matured in oak barrels for 1 year, two-thirds of which is new wood. A rare cuvée, named after the Greek city of Sybaris, whose definition is the pursuit of refined pleasures. On the nose, this red Rhone wine opens with hints of sweet spices, thyme and garrigue. Aeration is recommended, as the wine develops aromas of black olives, smoked bacon and black cherries. The palate is extremely silky on the attack, but has great energy, carried by spicy and cocoa notes, and accompanied by superb, juicy, mouth-watering fruit. On the white Rhone side, Le St-Joseph blanc is 60% Marsanne and 40% Roussanne. On the nose, the wine reveals notes of dried fruit, apricot, lemongrass and lemon balm, with an airy quality. On the palate, spicy yellow peach (with hints of star anise) dominates, but provides a lovely aromatic intensity whose complexity will develop over 2/3 years. The Côte Rôtie is subtle but complex on the nose, with notes of red and black berries, pepper, cocoa and menthol. The palate is consistent with the nose of blackcurrant, black cherry and blueberry with spices. The Condrieu has exotic notes of fresh apricot and floral verbena. Precise on the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, but well-constructed, supported by good acidity that does not weigh it down on the finish. A clear success in this appellation. An estate to be recommended, offering excellent value for money.
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