Next up was a visit to Domaine des Hauts Châssis for a tasting with Raphaël Faugier. The winery, established by his father in 2003, marked its first vintage that year and is rooted in a six-generation family farming tradition. Originally, the farm produced apricots and peaches and raised sheep and cows before focusing on vines.
Raphaël’s father previously sold grapes to the Cave de Tain, which laid the groundwork with old vines when they began their winemaking journey. After studying in Mâcon and Montpellier and gaining experience through vintages at Villard and a six-month stint in Vinsobres, Raphaël returned in 2022 to work alongside his father. By 2023, he took charge of the entire vinification process.
Domaine des Hauts Châssis manages 20 hectares of vineyards, consisting of 17 hectares of Syrah and 3 hectares of white varietals. Farming practices have been organic since 1998 and received certification in 2017. They also maintain a hectare in Saint-Joseph and half a hectare in Saint-Peray. Recent vintages presented challenges; they lost 90% of their crop in 2019 due to hail, 2020 was notably hot, 2021 experienced significant rain, while 2022 was hot, followed by a very rainy 2023 and 2024.
The Wines
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Domaine des Hauts Châssis Cuvée L’Essential Crozes-Hemitage Blanc 2023
A blend of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne, vinified in stainless steel. This wine is expressive and exotic, featuring pear and peach fruits with a hint of anise. It balances richness with freshness. Score: 94/100 -
Domaine des Hauts Châssis Aurora Crozes-Hemitage Blanc 2022
Made from 100% Roussanne, aged in demi muids. It boasts a full yellow hue with mealy and spicy characteristics alongside rich pear and white peach fruits. Some oak presence complements the lovely fruit intensity. Score: 94/100 -
Domaine des Hauts Châssis Zenith Crozes-Hemitage Blanc 2022
Composed of 100% Marsanne and vinified in demi muids, this wine is bold and rich, characterized by flavors of peach, toast, bread, and melon, enhanced by minerals and freshness. Score: 95/100 -
Domaine des Hauts Châssis Esquisse Crozes-Hemitage 2023
From 20-year-old vines, this wine displays aromatic and floral notes with light red cherries and raspberries. It’s low-extraction, showcasing elegance and texture. Score: 94/100 -
Domaine des Hauts Châssis Les Galets Crozes-Hemitage 2022
Crafted from 50-year-old vines and aged in used oak, it offers concentrated red berry and cherry fruit, with hints of pepper and refined tannins. Score: 94/100 -
Domaine des Hauts Châssis ‘Les Chassis’ Crozes-Hemitage 2022
Sourced from 100-year-old vines, this wine is dark and brooding with sweet blackberry and black cherry flavors, coupled with olive and meat savoriness. It boasts good concentration and structure. Score: 95/100 -
Domaine des Hauts Châssis Vespera Crozes-Hemitage 2022
This wine includes 20% whole bunch and is noted for its dense fruit profile of ripe cherries and blackberries, complemented by pepperiness and refined, velvety tannins. Score: 95/100
For more information about Domaine des Hauts Châssis, visit their website.