2016 St Joseph Lieu Dit Paradis

From a tiny section of this steep, granite terroir outside of Mauves (they have just a tiny 0.5-hectare parcel here), the 2016 Saint Joseph Lieu Dit Paradis has pure, clean, classic notes of black raspberries, cassis, crushed violets, and liquid minerality. Its vibrant, fresh, and focused on the palate, with terrific granite character in its texture and acid profile. It’s going to keep for over a decade. I feel as though my ratings on the wines of Ferraton go up every year, and these 2016s are another brilliant, incredibly consistent lineup from this team. It’s worth mentioning that Ferraton is run by Michel Chapoutier. However, they have a separate, designated winemaking team. The only drawback to these wines is that, by and large, they’re made in tiny quantities.

Perhaps a bit closed down after bottling, the 2016 Saint Joseph Lieu-Dit Paradis seemed less effusive than when I tasted it last year. It's still a solid performer, concentrated and richly tannic, with mocha and cedar shadings over cherry fruit, but it lacks the drama of the 2015 and the forthcoming 2017.

(from Mauves; 15% new oak) Youthful purple. Mineral-accented cassis and blueberry on the highly perfumed nose; peppery spice and floral notes build in the glass. Densely packed but lively dark berry preserve flavors show hints of smoky bacon and candied violet and pick up an allspice quality with air. Stains the palate and shows very good concentration but no excess weight. Finishes with vibrant mineral cut, slow-building tannins and strong, spicy persistence.