2023 Crozes-Hermitage, Château le Devay

• Style: Cool-climate Syrah, silky & mineral-driven
• Taste: Blueberry, black pepper, violet with savoury grip
• Food: Roasted lamb, beef stew, duck, mushrooms
• Occasion: Sunday lunch, date night, roast dinners
• Serve: 13% ABV, bone dry, 5–7 years drinking window

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

A cool-climate Syrah with real poise and freshness. Violet and black pepper perfume give way to a palate where silky tannins and bright acidity work in refined tension. At 13% alcohol, this wine tastes built for balance rather than muscle — the kind of red that means something without trying too hard.

The Winery — Château le Devay

Planted in 2014 on an 18th-century estate a few kilometres north of Côte-Rôtie, Château le Devay belongs to Jean-Charles Fournet, a radiologist whose winemaker friend Pierre-Jean Villa recognised the potential of the property's schist soils for Rhône varieties. Guided by respected local growers and soil microbiologists, the vines—now ten years old—are beginning to show real character. The 2023 vintage reflects a philosophy rooted in capturing salinity and tension through natural winemaking: hand-harvested fruit was destemmed and fermented in stainless steel for just over two weeks with restrained extraction, then matured nine months in old oak. This approach adds texture without loudness, allowing tannins to sit beautifully integrated.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

This wine sings alongside roasted lamb, beef stew, duck and mushroom dishes, and holds its own with aged cheeses. One of the finest examples of Syrah & Shiraz at this price point comes from just a handful of dedicated growers in this corner of France. Château le Devay, vegan and organic, bottled with natural cork, is built to drink beautifully over the next five to seven years. If you're seeking authentic Rhône character without the Côte-Rôtie premium, explore the rest of what we've curated from this region within our Crozes-Hermitage selection — the value and quality here are genuinely worth your attention.