2021 St Joseph Les Granits

Coming from the lieu-dit Saint-Joseph in Tournon, the 2021 Saint-Joseph Les Granits combines scents of ripe cherries and crushed stone on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, it's plump, ripe, succulent, silky and long, with less of an acid tang on the finish than Chapoutier's other 2021 Saint-Joseph bottlings.

The 2021 Saint Joseph Les Granits is in the running for the wine of the appellation in 2021. It has beautiful black raspberry, dried flower, saddle leather, and spicy nuances, with some obvious minerality that emerges on the palate. This ripe, medium-bodied, round, supple beauty has fine tannins, an elegant, silky mouthfeel, and outstanding length. Drink bottles any time over the coming 10-15 years or so. This was another fabulous tasting with Michel Chapoutier and his team, and it continues to be one of the highlight tastings I do in a year. The portfolio is massive, so there’s certainly something in here for everyone. Looking at the 2021s, I was able to retaste a handful of the flagship whites, and these appear to have shut down slightly. I wouldn’t touch bottles for another 3-5 years. The reds are leaner and focused, but balanced, and certainly impeccably made. However, the 2022s continue to trend here, starting around 2017 or 2018, toward fresher, lighter wines, both with the reds and whites. In addition, they’re all experimenting with whole cluster fermentations, which works beautifully in the wines I was able to taste.

The 2021 Saint-Joseph Les Granits shines brightly in this challenging vintage. Crushed violets, cedar, black cherry and ferrous elements rise up from the glass. Touching the palate with good energy and concentration, the 2021 is a distinctively savory Les Granits with plenty of character.