Domaine Font de Michelle was founded in 1880 thanks to Jean Etienne Gonnet but its current incarnation is down to his grandson Etienne Gonnet who, in 1950, took on the 30 hectares of vines situated in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. From 1975, his sons Jean and Michel took over the domaine with a mission to improve vinification methods and produce richer, more concentrated wines that retained their elegance. Things are still a family affair thanks to the baton being passed down to their respective sons, Bertrand and Guillaume. 2002 marked a turning point in the domaine's history: the family acquired parcels in the Côtes-du-Rhône and Côtes-du-Rhône Villages appellations. For more than 20 years, the domaine has adopted an environmentally friendly philosophy towards winemaking. Organic compost is used instead of fertilizers and the soil is tilled with a plough.

Produced as a tribute to the géniteur or Sire of the domain, Etienne Gonnet, this eponymous cuvée is only produced during noteworthy vintages. Its Grenache comes from hundred-year-old vines picked just before they become over-ripe. They are supplemented with Syrah and Mourvèdre. Vinification is traditional and ageing lasts 18 months in foudres and barrels which have held one wine. It is very expressive on the nose and unfurls spicy and woody notes. It is highly imposing on the palette! Its sumptuous volume and power give it exceptional length on the palate. A very fine wine to keep in the cellar for several years.