2015 St Joseph

Moving to the more granite soils of Saint Joseph, the 2015 Saint Joseph is an impressive, outstanding wine that has medium-bodied depth and richness as well as terrific (and classic) notes of black raspberries, spice, bacon fat, and bouquet garni. It’s elegant, has beautiful purity of fruit and fine tannins, and will keep for a decade. The big news at the Guigal estate is the purchase of Domaine de Nalys in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The family has always wanted an estate in the South, and Nalys is an unrealized treasure trove of awesome terroir and old vines, both of which I’ve no doubt will be maximized by this talented family. In addition, the former winemaker at Paul Jaboulet Aîné, Jacques Desvernois, has joined the team, and while it’s not clear exactly what his role will be, I suspect he will largely lead the charge at Domaine de Nalys. Either way, Desvernois is an incredible talent and can only add to what is already a well-oiled machine. As to the wines reviewed in this report, I was able to taste multiple vintages of each of the cuvées and have listed the wines by cuvée as opposed to by vintage, which is how we tasted through the wines.

Firm but feathery tannin, bright peppery note, light body but good fruit persistence. Long black-cherry fruit on the finish. Once again, a great example of typicality from this producer. (RH)

Aged in second fill barrels, the 2015 Saint-Joseph is another huge success. Sourced from the southern end of this sprawling appellation, off granitic sites, it showcases aromas of crushed stones and discrete pencil shavings, which frame bright cherry notes. It's medium to full-bodied, poised and fresh, with lingering tart berry flavors on a long, stony finish.