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Saturday, February 25, 2023

New wines from Yves Cuilleron!

New wines from Yves Cuilleron!

One of the most important, highly-regarded, and prolific estates in the Northern Rhône, the Cuilleron estate is made up 75 hectares in total, (8 in Côte Rôtie, 12 in Condrieu, 27 in Saint-Joseph, 4 in Crozes-Hermitage, 3 in Saint Péray, 1.5 in Cornas, and 19.5 in the greater IGP). Winegrowing is natural, with minimal treatments and an overall unique approach to soil management and pruning developed by Yves over the past several decades. During this time the domain has remained staunchly traditional on the winemaking side, with fermentation taking place with only wild yeasts, a commitment to traditional cap-punching, disdain for enzymes and shortcuts, and an overall commitment to NOT use technological aids of any kind.

2020 Yves Cuilleron Crozes-Hermitage "Labaya"...$26.99 / 750ml
Saturated garnet color. High-pitched, spice-accented red and blue fruits on the assertively perfumed nose. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering vibrant cherry and boysenberry flavors and suggestions of candied violet and cracked pepper. A smoky mineral nuance appears on a long, sweet finish that's framed by round, even tannins. Note this bottling's name change from "Laya", starting with the 2020 vintage.
Vinous: 93 Points
2020 Yves Cuilleron Saint Joseph Rouge "Les Pierres Sèches"...$27.99 / 750ml
Saturated garnet color. Pungent, spice-tinged cherry, blueberry and floral aromas are complemented by suggestions of olive, botanical herbs and smoked meat. Succulent and penetrating on the palate, offering concentrated red and blue fruit preserves and licorice flavors; a hint of vanilla and a violet nuance builds on the back half. Finishes long and smooth, with well-judged tannins and echoing spice and floral notes. No new oak.
Vinous: 93 Points

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