Yves and Jocelyne Lafoy

Jocelyn and Yves Lafoy started the Domaine in the early 90s by marrying their respective family vineyard holdings across the Northern Rhône. Following his oenology studies in Burgundy, their son Gaetan returned to Cote Rotie to work with Jean-Michel Gerin.

Since 2012 Gaetan has taken charge of the cellar at the Domain and introduced a low intervention approach. All the vineyards are worked by hand, with mechanisation often impossible on their steep slopes. In the cellar, the introduction of concrete eggs and a restrained used of oak lends the wines an added layer of precision and freshness.

The red and white ‘Alliance’ cuvees are from Syrah and Viognier vines on granite soils just behind the slopes of Côte-Rôtie. The ‘Prelude’ is a collection of 2.6ha of vines on the Côte Blonde with the oldest vines planted in 1934 and most from 1991. It is a classic expression of Northern Rhône Syrah with an emphasis on freshness and spice.

The ‘Côte Blonde’ is very much jewel in the crown made solely from vines the oldest vines (planned in 1934) and is only made in the best vintages. Gaetan is a young talent and worth keeping an eye on as he grows the Domaine.