2017 Rene-Jean Dard & Francois Ribo, Crozes-Hermitage, Les Rouges Baties

René-Jean Dard and François Ribo prioritize minimal intervention to emphasize the raw character of their Syrah, eschewing additions and relying on ambient yeasts for fermentation. Their approach for *Les Rouges Bâties* centers on utilizing high percentages of whole-cluster inclusion, which imparts structural tension and savory depth rather than relying on heavy extraction. The vineyard, situated in the northern sector of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation on complex soils of clay, granite, and loess, benefits from cooling northern breezes that maintain acidity and aromatic precision. The 2017 growing season, defined by a dry, warm summer and early harvest, resulted in a wine with pronounced mid-palate density and firm, fine-grained tannins. The resulting structural profile is one of poise and nerve, reflecting the inherent characteristics of the site rather than the warmth of the vintage.