Domaine des Pierres Seches

Sylvain Gauthier is a rising star in Saint-Joseph in the Northern Rhône. He established his domaine high above the river valley in Cheminas in 2007, naming it after the ancient stone walls that line the steep slopes of the region's vineyards. His wine training began in Burgundy, and was followed by stints working at Domaine du Tunnel and Chapoutier in the Rhône. His drive to succeed has seen the reputation of his estate become one of the most interesting names in the appellation. He has 13.5 hectares of organically farmed (but not yet certified) vineyards. In 2020 he moved to new, more spacious cellars in Ozon, at the very limit of the Saint-Joseph appellation, where the elevation reaches 350 metres. This continued investment, expansion, and dedication to quality results in consistently impressive wines. He has recently added a number of single vineyard cuvées to his range. His Saint-Joseph is a blend of many parcels of Syrah dotted around the southern end of the appellation and he also makes a crisp, fresh white from Marsanne and Roussanne. Despite its relative youth, there is an exciting determination at this young domaine and it is definitely one to watch.