Stephane Robert began building his domain from the ground up in 1994. At the time he was only 24 years old.  Today, he has more than 18 acres under ownership and contract in Cornas, Saint-Joseph and Saint-Peray.

Stephane’s style is driven by his desire to showcase the intensity of fruit and his dislike for the masking influence of new oak. Stephane’s wines are well known in France, but just starting to get more visibility in the United States. After tasting Stephane’s offerings from the 05 vintage, Robert Parker said: “This is an impressive wine from one of the up-and-coming stars of the Northern Rhone.” My first experience with the wines came last year at Astor Wine & Spirits in New York.

Saint-Peray is a white-only Northern Rhone AOC that almost became non-existent in the 1970s.  Stephane is attempting to revitalize this unique terroir. His Roussanne is planted in in granite soils and aged for 11 months – 50% in used barrels and 50% in stainless steel.

Light, pale yellow in color. Aromatics of stone fruit, white flowers, sea foam and a little citrus. On the palate, peach and pear notes with a tease of pineapple, honey and tangerine. Good minerality, but perhaps lacking some richness, creaminess and distinctiveness — and maybe just a touch thin. I liked this but thought it fells short of recommendation given the price point. I opened a bottle of Mas des Bressades Roussanne-Viognier 2007 after this bottle, and while it was not as good, it is less than half the price — and for me it offers as much or more enjoyment for the dollar.

At this price point, I would opt for the André Perret Saint Jospeh 2007 or the Paul Jaboulet Chevalier Sterimberg Hermitage Blanc 2004.

13% alcohol. Imported by Michael Skurnik Wines.