"30 km south of Lyon, on the banks of the Rhône, stands in the heart of the Côte-Rôtie vineyards the oldest winery in the Rhône Valley still in operation: Maison Vidal-Fleury. Founded in 1781, it has survived the centuries thanks to the tenacity of men resolutely passionate about wine.
  
The passage of celebrities such as Thomas Jefferson in 1787 gave the estate a reputation that allowed them to develop commercial relations with the United States. In the 1890s, Gustave Vidal married a Miss Fleury; thanks to her dowry, he was able to replant the vineyard following the phylloxera crisis.
  
By the mid-20th century, Vidal-Fleury was one of the emblematic houses of Côte-Rôtie, and remains so today.
  
Hand-harvesting of the co-planted Syrah and Viognier, sorting of the grapes, vinification using destemmed harvests, fermentation Alcoholic at controlled temperature, two to three weeks of vatting with regular punching down, and hot post-fermentation maceration.
  
Aged in oak barrels for two and a half years, 50% of which are new.
  
The nose is intense and complex, with luscious, fruity notes of blackcurrant and cherry emerging first. Then come spices, pepper, nutmeg, and clove, and finally, notes of chocolate and coffee bring sweetness and character.
  
The palate is round and creamy, with an elegant and well-integrated tannic structure.
  
The finish is persistent, with roasted notes expressing themselves."
 
Appellation Côte-Rôtie Contrôlée