Our Latest Discovery - St Jean de Barroux

It is easy to become carried away when talking to Philippe Gimel; his enthusiasm for his vineyards is infectious, his passion unquestionable. He has a single minded quest, and nothing will distract him, except possibly Facebook! We have known each other for a number of years, shadow boxing, if you will, until the time felt right to begin working together. Why the hesitation? When we first met Philippe la crise had swept across the globe and launching the wines from a young, doggedly single minded vigneron from the 'back-waters' of the Rhone was a step I didn't have the courage to take at that moment. Philippe was still 'feeling his way' too, unconsciously perhaps still unsure of what he wanted to achieve.

Five years on, our time spent in his newly acquired vineyards overlooking the myriad valleys and gullies that lay behind the Dentelles and tasting his various lovingly created wines, it was time to begin.

Philippe owns and farms 28 hectares of which 15 are under vine. There are five quite distinct lieu-dits, each with its own aspect and terroir. I must confess I am rather an anorak when it comes to the naming of vineyards-it makes them personal. Furthermore, understanding the Rhone is all about understanding it's countless lieu- dits. So for the nerdy among you, the five place names are as follows: Saint Jean; Ubac; the evocative sounding Gippieres; Usclades and Bois-Long. The majority of these vineyards are situated between 300-400 metres.

Philippe has experimented over time with various blends and cuvées but the two below truly express what Saint Jean du Barroux are about. Furthermore, Philippe only releases his wines when he feels they could be approached.