A top star domaine. Yves Cuilleron took over the reins as the 4th generation vigneron in 1987. He is based in Chavanay, just south of Condrieu and has built up a formidable reputation in recent years. Always developing new ideas and cuvées, our tasting here each year is mightily impressive. We are lucky to have the allocation we do. Having started with Yves’ stunning Vin de Pays, we now have access to his amazing range of Grands Vins. He now owns and leases over 75 hectares. We think they are all great wines and they are all in the style of Yves Cuilleron – lingering, rich white wines and big rich minerally reds. Yves is a totally driven man with a growing family, a part share with other top growers in vineyards on the eastern side of the Rhône, and an excellent bistrot in Ampuis. He has a fantastic new cellar, purpose-built and temperature controlled. He now has more room to move.
All his stylish AOC whites spend 9 months in barriques on the lees with regular bâtonnage. The St Joseph Blanc Lyseras is Marsanne and Roussanne while Le Lombard is made with 50 year old Marsanne grapes alone.
The Condrieu ‘Les Chaillets’ is his old vines cuvée and named after the local terraces. The reds are equally consistent and impressive.
The St Joseph Rouge ‘Pierres Sèches’ (named after the dry stone walls built by hand on the terraces) is a favourite spending 16 months in barriques and offering layers of seductive, silky fruit.