In 1996, Yves Cuilleron, François Villard, and Pierre Gaillard were already crushing it with their own estates. To the north of Côte-Rôtie they saw a huge opportunity where others saw nothing but backbreaking work: the abandoned slopes of Seyssuel, pitching at 60% grades. While everyone else was playing it safe, these three chose these granite cliffs to plant vines where Romans once grew them, where the Syrahs rivalled Côte-Rôtie in years past.

Fast forward to their Châteauneuf project. They source from four different sites around the appellation's edge—0.8 hectares of 40-year-old vines on those famous galets roulés, the rolled pebbles that act like solar heat batteries. They made less than 300 cases.

The 2022 features 80% Grenache for that raspberry liqueur richness, 15% Syrah for structure and baking spice, and 5% Mourvèdre for that wild, sauvage edge. This is the fabulous result when a legendary Northern Rhône work ethic and know-how meets pristine Southern Rhône sourcing.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT

• Dirty Hands, Clean Money: These aren't négociants who buy juice and slap labels on it. Cuilleron, Villard, and Gaillard are hands-in-the-dirt vignerons who make wine from purchased grapes with the same obsession they bring to their own estates.

• Phenomenal, Exclusive Pricing: Spago Beverly Hills has the 2017 for $115. We're selling the superior 2022 at $59 on three bottles. That's 38% off retail for wine from three of the Rhône's most respected names.

• Built to Age: Drink it tonight with leg of lamb and tian Provençal or hold for a decade. The structure's there to see this through long aging.

HOW TO SERVE IT

• 58-60°F. Decant for 30 minutes if you're drinking young. Big Burgundy stems or Rhône glasses—this needs air because it’s young.

• Stellar with grilled lamb, herb-crusted rack of anything, or veal kidneys if you're feeling rustic. Also kills it with aged Comté or Gruyère.

• Drinking window: Now through 2034, though it'll reward patience.