2023 St Peray Prestige

Based on 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne, the 2023 Saint-Péray Cuvée Prestige reveals a light gold hue and brilliant aromatics of stone fruits, ripe melon, honeysuckle, and subtle spicy, toasty nuances. Medium-bodied and pure on the palate, it has a layered, elegant profile with terrific freshness and the classic salinity of the appellation on the finish. This was fermented with native yeasts and aged in third- and fourth-fill barrels. Drink 2025-2030. Located in Saint-Péray, Domaine du Tunnel was founded by Stéphane Robert in 1994 and has steadily become one of the benchmarks for pure, impeccably made Cornas, Saint Joseph, and Saint-Péray. Farming is sustainable, and the wines are fermented with native yeasts and aged largely in used barrels. A new cellar in the hills above Saint-Péray was recently completed, no doubt contributing to the continued precision and quality of the wines, which is the signature of this estate and gives Robert's wines their own style compared to producers like Clape, Allemand, and a handful of other notable names. Across the range, the wines show beautiful balance, layered textures, and a seamless sense of freshness and energy. The 2022s are superb, and the 2023 Saint-Péray releases continue to raise the bar for the appellation. Readers looking for some of the best from Cornas, Saint Joseph, and Saint-Péray need look no further.