Six generations of the Gerin family have lived in Ampuis, at the heart of the Côte-Rôtie vineyard. The vineyard is just under 20 miles south of Lyon, and is the northernmost appellation in the Rhone Valley, as well as being one of the smallest, covering only 280 hectares. The influence the Mediterranean and continental climates produce robust wines with strong tannins that are also smooth and elegant. The regal Syrah grape is sometimes mixed with Viognier for a more refined wine.

The Domaine Jean-Michel Gerin was founded in 1983, with the purchase of a Côte-Rôtie parcel symbolizing its birth. It was in 1987 that the first bottle was produced, made possible by the acquisition of the family vineyards (vines belonging to Marcel Gerin and Alfred Gerin, grandfather and father).

The adventure continued in 1988 with the first separate wine produced from Les Grandes Places, followed by La Landonne in 1996. In early 1990 a fermenting room and barrel winery were needed. The bottle store was built in 2000. In 2003, they began planting at La Viallière in the Côte-Rôtie, a Herculean task on steep hillsides ranging between 40% and 60%. The 2009 vintage saw the first bottles arrive at long last.

Now, the estate covers almost 12 hectares, and the youngest brothers, Michaël and Alexis, still have a number of challenges to overcome with the vines growing in Les Lézardes, a fantastic Côte-Rôtie terroir. With 4 hectares to plant, the adventure is not over yet...

A tiny 1.4 hectare lieu-dit, Les Grandes Places (The Great Place) is composed of micaschiste on steeply terraced hillside vineyards that face South-Southeast. Nearly a quarter of the vines are 80+ years old and most of the vines are over 40. Hand harvested (tractors can’t negotiate the terraces) and picked by descending downhill with a basket strapped behind. Macerated for 30 days. Aged in 100% new oak for 24 months.

"Dark red fruit, smoke, truffle, cigar wrapper, and vanilla create the perfume. On the palate, the wine is rich, supple, ripe, round, and loaded with sweet, red fruits, polished tannins, and a long, seductive, slightly warm finish. The vines are old with the oldest vines having been planted in 1928. The wine is aged in 30% new, French oak barrels for 22 months before bottling. Drink from 2025 - 2045."
95 points.
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (May 2023)