Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Another rock star is the 2013 St Joseph Les Royes, which comes from the Les Royes lieu-dit (this is a single vineyard) that lies on the southern edge of the Saint Joseph appellation, right up next to Cornas. It’s a dramatic, steep slope that has a terrific southern exposure. It too is inky colored and offers a touch more purity and definition than the classic cuvee. Crème de cassis, licorice, peppery herbs and plenty of graphite give way to a medium-bodied, juicy, lively, pure Saint Joseph that has fine tannin, a solid mid-palate and a big finish. It will have 10-15 years of overall longevity.
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Wine Spectator
Fresh, with good energy to the core of raspberry and blackberry fruit, backed by mouthwatering anise and singed alder notes. Reveals a brambly edge through the finish. Best from 2016 through 2021.
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.