2016 St Joseph
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Tasting notes
Leading off the 2016s from bottle, the base 2016 Saint Joseph is well worth your time and money. Classic notes of blackberries, blueberries, peppery herbs, and violets all emerge from this medium-bodied, nicely textured, balanced beauty that has no hard edges and a great finish. Readers looking for a prime example of the vintage will love this. These 2016s and 2017s from the Courbis brothers are terrific follow-ons to their brilliant 2015s. The 2016 Cornas are some of the finest in the vintage and have sexy, ripe profiles that offer more pleasure than most. The 2017s are in the same ballpark, with slightly more upfront charm and approachability. In addition to the Cornas releases, this team is turning out some heavenly Saint Josephs!
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Lurid ruby. Blueberry, cherry and a hint of cracked pepper on the fragrant nose. Appealingly sweet in the mouth, showing very good depth and cut to the juicy, smoke-accented black and blue fruit flavors. Shows a suave floral quality and bright, spicy lift on the subtly tannic finish, which leaves a hint of candied flowers behind.
Courbis’ 2016 Saint Joseph is supple, silky in texture and easy to drink, even as a barrel sample. Cola, spice, black cherries and a bit of tar give it plenty of flavor and character in an early-drinking style.
Reduction on the nose but fine black fruit on the palate with excellent spice and violet fragrance. Lovely elegance and gentility here. Tannic chew on the finish with lovely soy and anise aftertaste. (RH)