François de Tournon
Red
- grape variety
- 100% syrah
- Soils
- granite
- Appellation
- Saint-Joseph
terroir of François de Tournon
Here, the soil is identitcal to one of Hermitage, born from the same original massif that the Rhône and time have separated into two distinct mountains. The François de Tournon cuvée is born at the heart of these rugged landscapes, on steep granite slopes proudly overlooking the river.
François de Tournon offers a noble and vibrant Syrah, rooted in the tradition of Saint-Joseph’s historic terroirs. A deep, structured, and refined wine, combining power, finesse, and the promise of excellent ageing potential.
vintages
vintage
Marked by a dry winter, the 2023 vintage benefited from a milder spring, which helped the vines withstand the intense summer heat. Despite limited yields, the harvest, beginning in late August, produced healthy, high-quality grapes, promising balanced and expressive wines.
winemaking and ageing
The harvest is carried out by hand and placed in palox crates. Once destemmed, the berries are transferred by gravity, using small vats, into truncated stainless-steel tanks. During the initial phase of fermentation, extraction is performed gently through carefully measured pump-overs and punch-downs.
After draining, the wine is racked and transferred into barrels, where malolactic fermentation occurs naturally. Ageing takes place over 18 months in barrels, 30% of which are new, bringing depth, complexity, and elegance. 3 months before bottling, the wine is blended in stainless steel to harmonize the whole and refine its texture.
wine profile
In appearance, the wine displays a deep ruby hue with dark reflections.
On the nose, it opens with a refined bouquet, combining ripe blackcurrant with subtle notes of sweet spices.
On the palate, the François de Tournon cuvée reveals a soft, velvety texture, supported by a fine, silky, and perfectly integrated tannic structure, promising excellent ageing potential.
rewards
Gold (95)
June 2026
“Radiating presence and class; tangy black cherry, blueberry, briar and violet aromas fold into the lingering complexity inured with oaky tannins and smoky smooth acidity.”
95
May 2026
“The 2023 Saint-Joseph François de Tournon clearly benefits from the conditions of the vintage, allowing its terroir to express itself with clarity. Revealing aromas of spices, timut pepper, grapefruit and dark wild berries, it’s medium- to full-bodied, dense, concentrated and layered, with a precise, delicately textured mid-palate framed by velvety, fine-grained tannins and concluding with a long, mineral finish. […] It should age gracefully over the coming years.”
95
May 2025
“How can you resist the deep nose of wild herbs and forest berries with a whiff of autumn bonfire smoke ? With aeration the peppery character of syrah expands. The generosity of fruit and the finesse of the tannins on the very focused palate are balanced by a wonderful youthful freshness. Long, graceful finish. […]”
technical information
ageing
21 months
cellar ageing
8 years
rewards
95
vintage 2023
95
vintage 2023
94
vintage 2022
