M. Chapoutier Saint-Joseph Rouge - Le Clos 2014

The vineyard was originaly established in the areas surrounding Tournon: Mauves, Saint-Jean de Muzols et Lemps, " Mauves wines " were higly reputated in the last century even as far afield as Russia, on the Tsars' dining table. Two sites had already gained respect at that time. Saint-Joseph hill-side, a parcel of land owned today by maison Chapoutier as well as that of Saint-Épine. GRAPE VARIETY: 100% Syrah. SOIL: Brown soils derived from coarse-grained, black mica granite, fractured and locally altered. HARVEST: The bunches are cut then transported to the winery in small crates. WINEMAKING: Alcoholic fermentation is carried out in a small, 30 HL, concrete vat with long maceration for around 5 weeks. MATURING: Entirely in barrels for around 20 months period (25% new barrels). TASTING COLOUR: Dark, garnet black with purple highlights throughout. NOSE: Lovely notes of dark fruit (cherry, blackberry), beautiful minerality with graphite notes. MOUTH: Soft, rich and elegant on entry. Very fine, silky tannins. Long-lingering finish and aromatic notes reminiscent of the granite terroir. EROBERTPARKER 2014 VINTAGE The two flagship releases from St Joseph include the Le Clos and Les Granits. From a difficult vintage, I was shocked at the quality of the 2014 St Joseph Le Clos; this warmer, east-facing vineyard continues to impress. Full-bodied, beautifully concentrated and impeccably balanced, it has a liquid-rock character as well as notes of cassis, blackberries, crushed flowers and graphite. Brought up in 30% new French oak, it’s a sensational St Joseph that will be approachable in another 2-3 years and have 15-20 years of prime drinking.