Lionel Faury "Les 3 Brunes" Côte-Rôtie 2023

Vin Chicago: 95 Points

(1/2026) The Northern Rhône reds from Lionel Faury have never been better. Imported by Kermit Lynch, Lionel's '3 Brunes' blends 90% Syrah with 10% Viognier. The fruit comes from three small parcels in the Côte Brune (Fourvier, Le Plomb, and Arselié), covering a total of 1.7 hectares. These vineyards are visually stunning, set on steep cliffs above the Rhône River, with slopes so dramatic that they must be terraced. Incredibly laborious, workers painstakingly watch over each plant, and each tiny terrace, to ensure successful harvests. We visited Lionel's modest cliffside cellar 11 years ago, and while we've always loved the wines, have noticed a serious uptick in both deliciousness and elegance. Pouring a deeply opaque Syrah purple, this youthful red stains the glass, with viscous allure. The nose and palate, though young, explode with dark berries, smoke, cofffee, minerals, flowers, olives, all atop a seductive and structured palate. Drinkable now, and pleasure giving with primary deliciousness, though its very exciting to consder the future of this outstanding Côte-Rôtie.