Better known for his Cote Rotie, Philippe is in fact a Condrieu specialist and his constant concentration on that difficult grape Viognier informs all his work. He is one of the Rhone`s more thoughtful vignerons. He doesn`t use more than 25% new oak on any of his wines now, down a bit from his practice in the nineties. He is also part of the St-Joseph renaissance as he is added to the list of quality growers there. St-Joseph is the problem child of the northern Rhone and the addition of quality growers who already have a reputation is immensely positive. Philippe works with his son and his cellars and vineyard sit atop the hills. The demeanour of a philosopher and the appearance of a kindly puritan or even Amish combine in an attractively modest, but confident personality, and generous too, in both time, interest and a desire to show us his wines. Whatever Philippe`s religion, we were converted to his wines. (CW19/03/2008)