Jean-Francois Jacouton 'Cuvee A Deux Pas' Syrah Ardeche, 2021

Another new addition to our shelves comes from the Northern Rhône, where Jean-Francois Jacoutin is creating beautiful expressions of low production Syrah. As a child, Jean-Francois worked with his grandfather in his vineyard on the famously steep slopes of Saint-Joseph. The slopes are so steep, in fact, that plowing can still only be done by hand or by horse, there are still no machines invented to farm at such a drastic incline. Jacoutin’s operation is truly limited. His vinification and ageing is done in a mix of neutral oak, amphora, cement,… essentially whatever he can get his hands on. The finished product is absolutely delightful. The Syrah is beautifully clean, authentic, and well balanced. We have the Ardeche IGP “A Deux Pas,” which is fruit driven and absolutely delicious, as well as a little bit of the stunning rare and Saint-Joseph. Indulge in a proper roast beef or fry yourself a lamb burger in a cast iron skillet and get in while you can. -JWK