THE STORY:

In 2002, Robert Parker declared Philippe Desmeures, proprietor of Domaine des Remizières, to be one of his Wine Personalities of the Year. "Desmeures has become one of the superstars of Hermitage in less than three or four years. Lower yields, riper fruit and wines fashioned in the most unmanipulated and natural way as possible have allowed him to exploit some great terroirs. His 1998's, 1999's, 2000's and 2001's are among the finest of Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage."

Philippe is the third generation of his family to operate their property, but 1996 was the first vintage he controlled. The estate owns vineyards in Hermitage and Crozes Hermitage ranging in age from 20 to over 60 years of age. Named for his daughter Emilie and his son Christophe, Philippe produces fresh, bright and toasty whites from both appellations as well as the classic deep, dark and dense reds based on 100% Syrah.  Philippe has since had his daughter Emilie, who has a degree in oenology, assisting him in the winery.

Philippe concentrates his wines by maintaining low yields and harvesting when fully ripe. His wines are fermented in barrel and kept on their lees for an extended period. Very little SO2 is used and the wines are not fined or filtered. Bottling is done gently to prevent oxidation and loss of freshness.

This soft-spoken winemaker has quickly catapulted his estate into the top ranks of producers in the prestigious Northern Rhône.