ANDRÉ PERRET
by Dixon Brooke
Getting better acquainted with the talents of northern Rhône master André Perret over these past few years has been an enriching experience. Needing no introduction in insider circles, the Perret name has largely remained under the radar due to his modest personality, the small size of his domaine, and his decision to focus on providing personal daily care to his great vineyards. Every wine from his cellar is a sure bet. Perret doesn’t disappoint.
2012 CONDRIEU “CHÉRY”
From one of Condrieu’s greatest sites, the granite of the Coteau de Chéry has been known and praised for many centuries. André coaxes everything out of the Viognier grape here: its intoxicating perfume, its exquisite texture, its length and finesse, with an extra touch that takes it to the level of the most elite Condrieus of the world: its striking granitic spine keeps it vibrant and droit and allows it to age longer than most.
$79.00 per bottle $853.20 per case
2012 SAINT-JOSEPH ROUGE
Those in the know realize that André—famous for his Condrieus—is making Syrah from his holdings in Saint-Joseph that stand toe to toe quite handily with neighboring Côte-Rôtie. The fabulous 2012 vintage provided grapes with freshness and elegant tannins, and gave André the raw material he needed to create the type of Syrah that only this area of the world is capable of. It will drink well right out of the gates. Only a handful of cases made it to the USA, so patience doesn’t pay on the buy side.
$38.00 per bottle $410.40 per case