Wines

From the importer: The domaine’s top red wine is the cuvée Charles de Batz, which was the original name of d'Artignan. The wine is composed of 90% Tannat with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from vines that are between 50 and 100 years old. After being completely destemmed, the Cabernet and Tannat are fermented separately in cement tanks. During this time, a bit of micro-oxygenation or microboullage takes place. The wine then goes into oak (50% new) in an underground cellar where it also undergoes malolactic fermentation. After 12 months in wood, it is blended and bottled after a very light filtration.

Very ripe, rich Madiran that takes no prisoners. This wine succeeds in obtaining more fruit than tannin! The color is nearly opaque—wine doesn't get much darker than this. It displays notes of black fruit (blackcurrant and blackberry) along with just a hint of red fruit. There is a cedar-like creaminess to the oak which is extremely well-integrated. Tannins pick up on the finish but, let's face it, this is Madiran and that is to be expected. These tannins seem to dissolve when the wine is matched with richly flavored meats like leg of lamb, duck, goose or game.

Fantastic wine from Lionel Faury reminiscent of Andre Perret's iconic 'Chery' bottling.

Vines planted on steep slopes (with a grade of up to 55%) facing south by south-east. Grapes are hand picked and pressed gently in a pneumatic press. Fermentation in stainless steel cuves. Aged 11 months on lees, 10% new barrels, 30% 2 to 5 year-old barrels, and 60% stainless steel. Le Mornieux is a little river that runs just below their parcel

From the lieu-dits Paton, Lys de Volan, la Bonnette, Rochecourbe, Les Rivoires, Merlant

94 Points! A brilliant expression of the variety, the 2022 Viognier Art Den Hoed Vineyard has tight, almost reductive aromatics of tart apricots, bananas, and salted citrus. It’s pure, medium to full-bodied, has a gorgeous texture, and outstanding length. Coming all from a site in the Yakima Valley and aged in equal parts concrete and used barrels, it will have 2-4 years of prime drinking. It’s one of the finest Viognier outside of Condrieu. - Jeb Dunnuck

The Viognier for this cuvée is sourced from vineyards planted in granite-infused soil in the village of Chavanay. The grapes are fermented with their natural yeasts and done in stainless steel to protect the wine’s freshness. It then sees 6 months in a combination of steel and neutral oak barrels to round out. The result is usually pretty engaging, but in the stellar 2022 vintage Cuilleron absolutely nailed it. Perfectly proportioned, this 14% alcohol white sits comfortably atop the right touch of uplifting acidity. Everything is fresh and expressive, with the subtly meshed peach, honeysuckle and mineral nose a perfect invitation to the peach, pear, spice and faintly honeyed palate.

94 Points! 'Superb'... - Neal Martin, Vinous Media

93+ Points! The 2021 Viognier The Age of Grace comes from Sutherland and Bot River, whole bunch pressed with 11 months on the lees using 15% concrete eggs. With pretty white peach and Mirabelle scents on the nose, this takes time to blossom, but it never fully lets go. The palate is medium-bodied with a gorgeous dried apricot, mango and spicebox entry, nothing blowsy here with a very focused, almost understated finish. Excellent. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media

95 Points! The 2020 Condrieu Chery is slightly more reductive, yet still has brilliant notes of white peach, crushed stone, spice, and honeyed white flowers. Brilliant on the palate as well, with medium-bodied richness, integrated acidity, and a great finish, it's another stunning wine from this estate I'd be thrilled to drink. - Jeb Dunnuck

93 Points! Notes of pastry, roasted pineapple, minerals, cashews and fine lees on the nose. This is a flavorful and round verdejo, but subtle and tactile, with a bright streak of acidity passing through the palate and leaving a broad but fresh-toned mouth-feel. From organically grown grapes. Drink now or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

92 Points! A full-bodied white with sliced apple, white pineapple, waxy lemon and some pear. Slightly waxy. Long and flavorful. An excellent example of verdejo. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

91 Points! The 2019 Quintaluna, pure Verdejo from the province of Segovia, fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and was kept with the lees for nine months. A small fraction of the wine was in oak foudres and barrels. This feels like a ripe vintage, not as ripe as 2017 but with an exotic touch and more varietal notes of freshly cut grass. It's balanced and soft, with integrated acidity and rich flavors. - Luis Gutierrez, robertparker.com

Quintaluna expresses the genuine character and freshness of Verdejo. The grapes are sourced from a range of small vineyards across various towns in northern Segovia: Nieva, Aldeanueva del Codonal, Aldehuela del Codonal and Santiuste de San Juan Bautista. The vineyards are planted on sandy soils with a high codon content, bringing minerality, freshness and finesse to the wine. Most of the vines are ungrafted, dating back to the 19th century prior to the phylloxera epidemic having been protected from the devastating plague by its sandy soil. A smaller section of the vineyard is comprised of younger vines that are hand-selected and low-yielding.

92 Points! Juicy and ripe, delivering tasty apricot and nectarine notes, with hints of heather, almond and anise through the unctuous finish. - Wine Spectator

94 Points! Extremely perfumed with violet and blueberry aromas that follow through to a full body with creamy, refined tannins. Wonderful depth, due to the compact fruit and vertical line of tannins. Black pepper to the dark fruit. Better in two or three years. Try after 2022. - JamesSuckling.com

91 Points! A full-bodied red with aromas of black cherries, blackcurrants, violets and black licorice. Tannic and chewy with a firm core of dark fruit. Try from 2023. - JamesSuckling.com