Xavier Gerard is a legend-in-the-making, and this is your chance to discover him before the rest of the world catches on. Since taking over his family's small estate in 2013, he has rapidly become one of the most talked-about young producers in Côte-Rôtie, crafting wines of stunning purity and perfume from incredibly steep, granite-and-schist parcels that he farms organically. His approach brilliantly fuses old-school reverence for terroir with modern-day precision, tailoring every decision to the vintage to ensure the most transparent expression of place possible.
This 2022 captures the essence of his vision. Sourced from iconic lieux-dits like Mollard and Viallière - where vines were planted in 1922 - this is Syrah from hallowed ground, offering a profound connection to a century of winemaking history. In the warm 2022 vintage, Xavier's skill shines through in the wine's remarkable balance: it's both concentrated and exuberant, with sappy cassis and blackberry fruit interwoven with notes of violet, black pepper, and smoked bacon. He used one-third whole clusters and co-fermented 4% Viognier to lift the aromatics, then aged the wine for two years in large, used demi-muids to preserve the pristine fruit and intricate mineral character. The result is powerful yet graceful, with vibrant fruit, savory complexity, and the kind of energy that makes this a seductive, aromatic, and deeply soulful expression of the "roasted slope."
Why You'll Love It:
The Rising Star of Côte-Rôtie:Xavier Gerard is the name on the lips of every Northern Rhône aficionado. This is your chance to get in on the ground floor of a producer who is redefining modern, terroir-driven Syrah.
Iconic Terroir, Century-Old Vines:Sourced from some of Côte-Rôtie's most revered and steepest parcels, including ancient vines planted in 1922, this wine offers a profound connection to the history and geology of the appellation.
Perfect Balance in a Powerful Vintage:In a warm vintage known for concentration, this wine is a testament to Xavier's skill—powerful yet graceful, with vibrant fruit, savory complexity, and remarkable energy.
How to Serve It
Serve at 60-65°F in a large Burgundy or Syrah-specific glass.
Give this wine at least 60 minutes in a decanter to allow its complex aromatics to fully unfurl.
This is a quintessential food wine. Pair it with roasted lamb with rosemary, duck confit, grilled game meats, or a rustic mushroom risotto.
Country
France
Region
Northern Rhône
Sub-Region
Côte-Rôtie
Soil
Granite & Schist
Farming
Organic
Blend
Syrah Blend
Alcohol
13.5
OAK
Used 600L demi-muids
TEMP.
60-65°F
Glassware
Burgundy Stem
Drinking
Now - 2045+
Decanting
60+ minutes
Daily Discovery
A Case at Your Pace is a one-of-a-kind subscription service that allows you the freedom to explore our expansive wine selection and consolidate your orders into a custom case over time.
