The mica shist in question supports 3.5ha (8.5 acres) of vines in the Côte Brune, divided equally between the lieux-dits of Viallière, Champon, and Le Plomb. Despite its relatively northerly location, there is 5% of Viognier field-planted with the Syrah. The wine is aged for two years in barrel (only 15% new) and already boasts the archetypal Côte-Rôtie descriptors, namely violets, crushed raspberry, black pepper, and chalk. Irredeemably seductive, yet impressively structured.| 92