Pierre Jean Villa started his own domaine in 2009 from scratch, after building up the Vins de Viennes projectfounded by Yves Cuilleron, Pierre Gaillard and Franois Villard. He resurrected vineyards and systematicallytackled organic viticulture (replacing herbicides on his steep hillsides was toughest, and he landed on sowingsedum or mulching or hoeing, both mechanically and manually). He has 42 acres of vines and works with thenational park service on an agroforestry vineyard project in the hills.

96 POINTS: DECANTER – A strong burst of violets and peach comes out of the glass, then on the palate its explosively flavoursome, a concentrated but fresh and intense Condrieu with intensity, huge length and massive amounts of pleasure. Great salinity, concentration and freshness suggests a long life. Fermented and matured in large, old oak barrels for 12 months.

95 POINTS: ROBERT PARKERS WINE ADVOCATE – The 2022 Condrieu Jardin Suspendu is, as usual, a strong effort. Wafting from the glass with aromas of jasmine, white flowers, spring flowers and honeysuckle, it’s medium to full-bodied, sappy and round with a rich, perfectly balanced core of fruit enhanced by subtle oaky notes and some freshness in the mid-palate, leading to a long, ethereal and racy finish. Crafted from vines planted on granite soils, this is a harmonious, clean wine.