The aging cellars have been completely renovated since 1996. The 2,500 hl of old casks have been replaced by 600 Burgundy barrels from world-famous coopers such as François Frères, Seguin Moreau, and Damy. It is essential to have a relationship of trust with the cooper supplying the barrel because, although the wine benefits from the time it spends aging in the barrel, its organoleptic characteristics must not be overpowered by the oak. The barrel should allow the fruit of the terroir to express its unique personality.
On the steeply sloping hillside vineyards, where man must be the "mason” of his own vines, the dry stone retaining walls have been painstakingly rebuilt in order to preserve the countryside heritage. 2015 proudly marks the completion of the reconstruction of these low walls which are so symbolic of Hermitage Hill.
Marked by hints of toasty oak on the nose, the 2019 Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon backs those up with notes of red cherries. It's medium to full-bodied, silky, and fresh, with a long, faintly herbal finish. It should drink well for up to a decade.