2011 St Joseph Ste Epine

Also superb, with slightly more freshness and focus than the Francois De Tournon, but not as much richness or depth, the 2011 Saint Joseph Sainte Epine gives up beautiful, Syrah-driven aromas of violets, new leather, pepper and black raspberry that flow to a full-bodied, rich and focused wine with a superb mid-palate and juicy acidity. It’s a gorgeous 2011 that will drink nicely for over a decade. Run by Jacques Grange and Claire Darnaud, Delas, which is owned by the Louis Roederer-Deutz Champagne firm, is producing no nonsense, extremely high quality efforts that are near the top of each of their respective appellations. I was consistently impressed by the wines, and they stood out in all of the larger tastings that I was able to do. In addition, I was able to taste the wines again at the domain, and again once back in the states. These are serious efforts worthy of attention. As to the Hermitages, they produce two, a standard Domaine des Tourettes, and in top vintages, the Les Bessards. In addition to the top-flight Cote Rotie and Hermitage releases, this estate produces a bevy of high quality efforts from Cornas and Saint Joseph. Importer: Maison Marques et Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000

Bright purple. Sexy, highly perfumed aromas of blueberry, cassis and potpourri, with an intense spicy topnote. Sappy and seamless in texture, offering sweet dark berry compote flavors that gain energy with air. There's a powerful spicy quality to the penetrating finish, which features smooth tannins and a lingering floral note.

Also superb, with slightly more freshness and focus than the Francois De Tournon, but not as much richness or depth, the 2011 Saint Joseph Sainte Epine gives up beautiful, Syrah-driven aromas of violets, new leather, pepper and black raspberry that flow to a full-bodied, rich and focused wine with a superb mid-palate and juicy acidity. It’s a gorgeous 2011 that will drink nicely for over a decade. ||Run by Jacques Grange and Claire Darnaud, Delas, which is owned by the Louis Roederer-Deutz Champagne firm, is producing no nonsense, extremely high quality efforts that are near the top of each of their respective appellations. I was consistently impressed by the wines, and they stood out in all of the larger tastings that I was able to do. In addition, I was able to taste the wines again at the domain, and again once back in the states. These are serious efforts worthy of attention. As to the Hermitages, they produce two, a standard Domaine des Tourettes, and in top vintages, the Les Bessards. In addition to the top-flight Cote Rotie and Hermitage releases, this estate produces a bevy of high quality efforts from Cornas and Saint Joseph. Wine Advocate.December, 2013