A savvy Côte-Rôtie lover can still strike gold for under $100 a bottle—age-worthy, textured, and brimming with mineral-driven Syrah character. Up-and-comer Christophe Billon has unearthed a true gem from his steep, north-facing holding in Ampuis: “La Viallière.”

If Ampuis rings a bell, it should—it’s also the home of the iconic E. Guigal, where Billon worked for years before launching his own domaine in 2007. We’ve offered Christophe’s wines many times, and they never fail to impress.

The 2019 “La Viallière” hails from a cooler, higher-elevation site, which imparts a refined, floral quality: violets, crushed herbs, and silky tannins. Yet it doesn’t shy away from power—this wine has muscle and chiseled minerality that Rhône fans expect. It’s a no-brainer three-to-six bottle buy, with a drinking window that stretches 10–15 years.

Cote-Rôtie has enjoyed a run of stellar vintages, and 2019 is no exception. Thanks to dry conditions and a pair of spring frosts that naturally reduced yields, the vintage found a beautiful balance of freshness and ripeness. This wine will reward cellaring, yet it’s already showing well: fine, firm tannins are beginning to soften with bottle age.

In the glass, it shimmers deep ruby-black with purple edges. Aromas of alpine flowers and dark fruit leap out, while the palate builds momentum: violets, kirsch, cocoa powder, roasted olives and meats, and a crack of black pepper. Decant for 30–60 minutes and you’re in business—or cellar for longer payoff.

Accolades:

 95 Points, Vinous Media: 

 “Glass-staining ruby. Displays highly perfumed, mineral- and spice-accented aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, potpourri, olive and incense. Intense cherry preserve, cassis and candied violet flavors show excellent depth as well as vivacity and pick up licorice and black pepper notes with air. Tightens up slowly through an impressively long finish that echoes the mineral and floral notes.” - Josh Raynolds, Dec. 2022