Alongside his famous Cornas, Stephane Robert also produces a top St. Joseph and four stunning whites from the underrated, and therefore underpriced, St Peray area of the northern Rhone. Perception alert: If these whites where from Chablis or Champagne, no-one would even blink at the prices. They are comparable in quality to similar wines from the much more expensive appellation of (H)Ermitage. With regard to the reds, there is no doubt that his St Joseph pricing is well up there, but have you tried one? Plus, where is it written that all St Joseph should be sub $40??
My hope is that by adding another Cornas producer to my small portfolio I will be able to convince the Syrah lovers out there that they should be buying more Cornas, which is much less extractive and alcoholic than a typical Aussie Shiraz. It’s also great value for money, especially compared to the likes Hermitage and Cote Rotie. Quality-wise, Domaine du Tunnel is right up there alongside Auguste Clape, and Robert’s single vineyard Cornas have even been compared to Guigal’s Single Vineyard Cote Roties – I.e. they are amongst the top wines of Northern Rhone. Add to this his gorgeous, highly acclaimed St Peray whites and we have a winner that I am justifiably proud to represent.
“Proprietor Stephane Robert continues to find gold in these recent vintages. While he fashions some of the most concentrated and impressive Cornas out there, don't miss his whites from Saint Peray, they're easily at the top of the hierarchy and are showing what's possible from this resurrected appellation.” Jeb Dunnuck – The Wine Advocate
