Sylvain Bock

Location: Ardèche, France

Founded by Sylvain Bock in 2010

From curator Siôn Iorwerth:

"Introducing Sylvain Bock...

We first encountered the wines of Sylvain Bock at Freedman's in Los Angeles. What was supposed to be a wholesome and chill dinner at the tail end of our indulgent trip ended up with us ordering a magnum of Sylvain's 'Raffut': a Syrah from the Ardèche. As we all quietly sipped the purple liquid and the wine began to unfold, our heads collectively came to the same question: how could this be so refreshing?! This moment solidified our love of and desire to seek out wines from this special place, often described as “the north of the south of France.”

The Ardèche is nestled in the middle of the Rhône Valley, a place famously known for its massive Syrahs and full-bodied whites. The Ardèche seems like an oasis within the Rhône: there is a palpable energy and wildness to the wines that come from there, that contrasts with the big wines the rest of the region is known for. Is it the yeast? The volcanic soil? Perhaps the winemakers? Or the youth of the region as a natural wine haven? Whatever it is, WE WANT MORE!!!

Sylvain Bock. Credits: Sam Youkilis

Since 2010, Sylvain Bock has been organically farming multiple little plots in the Ardèche between the towns of Alba-la-Romaine, which he calls home, and Valvignères. The sites offer up limestone from the past seas and basalt from long-forgotten volcanic activity - evidence of a place where the land once met the sea. Sylvain only harvests fruit from the vines in the early mornings to preserve acidity and vibrancy. He works without any sulfur, preferring to use fiberglass and stainless steel with the occasional exception of old barrels for longer élevage. In his own words: “I want to make wines full of freshness, finesse, fruit, and gluttony.”

After tasting with Sylvain at Les Anonymes we set about arranging this first shipment. Having had a good rest post voyage, we are pleased to be offering eight cuvées, including Sylvain’s first-ever macerated white, 'Ella m'a Serré.' We also have the 2019 vintage of 'Raffut' and magnums of the 2018 vintage, the good purple juice that first turned our heads!"

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2018 l Raffut

Powerful and elegant Syrah, with strong notes of strawberry and cherry. It opens up over time, revealing deeper hearthy aromas.

2019 l L'Equilibriste

A selection of Sylvain’s best barrels of Chardonnay from 2019 that were suitable for extended aging. Directly pressed, fermented, and aged in barrel for 2 years. Rich, opulent, serious — a Grand Cru of Ardèche.

2019 l Raffut

The syrah from these 40 yr old vines were harvested in a single morning in early September. After fifteen days of carbonic maceration in fiberglass tanks followed by a year of aging in old barrique, the wine is transformed into a beautifully structured red that weaves bright energy with masterful finesse. According to Sylvain, Raffut “needs the most air” to express itself fully, so those with the patience to drink the wine over the course of an hour or more can experience its full transformation into a completely different but equally impressive expression Syrah.

2019 l Suck a rock

Merlot vines from southwestern-facing slopes of clay and limestone were harvested in a single morning in late August by 12 vendangeurs. Fifteen days of whole cluster carbonic maceration followed by a year in barrel. Ethereal, fresh and saline, this is nothing like your grandpa’s merlot.

2019/2018 l Le Fruit de la Patience

Sylvain’s best two barrels of Chardonnay from two separate vintages blended after long, languid fermentations (hence the fruit of patience). Layers of stone fruit and salty citrus combine elegantly with a flinty reduction.

2020 l À la Fraîche

Half of the grapes were macerated for 5 days, and the rest directly pressed into cuve where the juice was aged for 10 months. Before bottling, Sylvain blended in a little of his Chardonnay in barrel from 2019 to add a little more complexity. Incredibly refreshing with a light tropical feel and zippy acidity.

2020 l Ella M'a Serré

Sylvain’s first ever cuvée de macération! 75% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Chardonnay, 7 days on the skins. Aromas of apricot, peach, white flowers, and almonds sing in this complex orange wine, named for Ella Fitzgerald and the glorious process of maceration (elle a macérée).

2020 l Les Grelots

A blend of Grenache Noir, Merlot and Syrah (as the name suggests) grown on limestone and basalt soils. The different varieties were vinified separately — the Grenache aged in tank, the Merlot and Syrah in old barrels for 9 months, and then blended together before bottling. A lovely balance of brambly fruit, some light tannin and a good lick of acid to keep it nice and fresh.

2020 l Neck

A tribute to the neck of Sceautres, a huge volcanic rock looming over this special geological pocket of basalt and limestone, suited to grow both Grenache and Gamay. Harvested by hand in small boxes, the Grenache is picked at perfect ripeness two weeks after the Gamay harvest before undergoing 2-3 weeks of carbonic maceration and 8 months in tank. Fruity and structured with a spicy, savory burst. The tannins need a little time to soften, but fruit and freshness make for happy drinking as soon as today. Plenty of dark fruits on show with a pleasing mineral backbone.

2020 l Reviens Gamay !

Land-meets-sea in this quixotic blend of Gamay from black basalt soils (the ancient land) and Chardonnay from chalky limestone (the ancient sea). A little lighter than previous vintages with an energetic palate of cherries and minerals.

2021 l Fruit Jazz

Each grape variety was vinified apart. Short carbonic maceration of 7 days for the Grenache, 10 days for the Syrah. When the fermentation was over, Sylvain noticed the blend tasted better than the grape varieties apart. So, he mixed both in a fiberglass tank. This is an easy-drinking wine, very fruity with soft tannins, for summertime.

Sylvain Bock

Location: Ardèche, France

Founded by Sylvain Bock in 2010

Sylvain Bock. Credits: Sam Youkilis

Discover the products below! For current stock and order details, contact your rep.

Discover the products below!
For current stock and order details, contact your rep.