France — wine

Irouléguy

France's smallest and most dramatically situated wine appellation, tucked into the steep, terraced slopes of the French Basque Country at the foot of the Pyrenees. The vineyards — planted on dramatic south-facing schist and sandstone terraces at 200–500m — produce wines from Tannat, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon for reds, and Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng for whites. The wines have a fierce mountain character — dense, tannic reds and intensely aromatic whites — that reflects both the Basque temperament and the extreme terroir.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Outstanding Pyrenean vintage; Tannat of exceptional depth and Gros Manseng of great freshness.
2021 Cool, wet spring followed by warm, dry summer. Tannat of exceptional depth and freshness.
2020 Good growing season with some humidity challenges. Whites from Manseng grapes particularly successful.
2019 Outstanding vintage — hot summer tempered by Atlantic influence. Dense, structured Tannat with excellent longevity.
2018 Warm year producing ripe, full wines. Gros Manseng whites of tropical intensity.
2017 Spring frosts affected some parcels. Survivors showed good concentration and character.