Winemaker Notes
Louis Barruol describes the microclimate of the vineyard Malleval as “very cold” which allows the grapes to retain acidity and showcase the floral aromas of the local Sérine variety. Aromas and flavors of blackberries and wild strawberries are accented by notes of peppercorns, tobacco, peonies, and violets.
Syrah, with its deep flavors and firm tannins, is a natural match for grilled or smoked meat and dishes featuring herbs, roasted mushrooms, and onions. Seared venison or beef with black pepper and thyme or a Moroccan tagine of pigeon or chicken are complimented by the spicy characteristic of Syrah.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Complex aromatic layers of black plums, blueberries, sanguine, Kalamata olives, prosciutto, lavender, fresh potting soil and a touch of salt. The palate is divine, and provides additional depth with notes of cassis, and violets. Balanced and structured, this wine is enjoyable now and should reveal gorgeous complexities with additional time in cellar.
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Jeb Dunnuck
A step up, the 2020 Saint Joseph comes all from the northern part of the Northern Rhône, and it’s medium-bodied and elegant, with good ripeness in its darker berry, violet, flower, and wet granite-like nuances. It’s another balanced, seamless red from Louis, and the 2019 vintage is a beauty for the Northern Rhône.
Barrel Sample: 91-93 -
Vinous
Dark violet color. Potent, mineral-accented black and blue fruit, floral and smoked meat qualities on the nose, along with olive, licorice and tobacco notes that build in the glass. Subtly chewy and energetic on the palate, offering intense blackberry, boysenberry, bitter chocolate and black pepper flavors that become sweeter with air. The floral note repeats strongly on the penetrating finish, which is framed by smooth, harmonious tannins.
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Wine Spectator
This has real substance and energy, with boysenberry and plum puree flavors that are mouthfilling and lush, lined with singed cedar and earth. Finishes very dry, thanks to chalky fine tannins and a cleansing mineral edge.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2020 Saint Joseph comes from Malleval, toward the northern end of the appellation. Scents of black olives, cracked pepper and espresso mark the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is nicely silky and gently tannic on the lingering finish. Showing excellent balance and plenty of crowd appeal, it should drink well on release.
Barrel Sample: 89-91
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Spanning the longest stretch of river in the northern Rhône—from Condrieu in the north, to Cornas in the south—the heart of St.-Joseph lies directly across the Rhône River from Hermitage. While its soils are basically the same as Hermitage: granite, supplemented by sand and gravel, its east facing slope receives less sunlight than Hermitage, which causes less overall berry ripening on its Syrah vines. However, some of the best of them can rival any fine expression of Hermitage, Cote-Rotie or Cornas with concentrated black fruits, dark spices, crushed rock and violets. A general advantage of the region is that its Syrahs typically don’t need as much time in the bottle compared to a Cote-Rotie or Hermitage and are much easier on the bank account!
A textbook St.-Joseph red is firm with a core of minerality that is enhanced by savory and peppery qualities. Aromas and flavors of smoke, olives, herbs, and violets are common; its wines are dense in red and black fruit.
St.-Joseph is also a source of fine northern Rhône white wine. Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne grow well here and can be blended or made into single varietal wines. St.-Joseph whites are full and silky with citrus, pear and pineapple flavors and a rich bouquet reminiscent of honeysuckle, toasted nuts, spice and caramel.