2017 St Joseph
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Tasting notes
Inky, bright-rimmed ruby. Mineral-accented cherry, cassis and peony qualities on the highly perfumed nose, along with a building mineral nuance. Appealingly sweet and focused on the palate, offering juicy dark berry, floral pastille and spicecake flavors that slowly deepen through the midpalate. Shows real energy and spicy lift on the persistent finish, which is given shape by smooth, even tannins.
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Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
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Tasted blind. Pale gold. There is real personality here. And good balance of acidity, grip and fruit. I think anyone would enjoy this. (JR)
While it’s easy to fixate on the Condrieu from Perret, he also has a green thumb with the reds and makes two elegant, Côte Rôtie-like Saint Josephs from vines near his estate in the northern part of the appellation. His 2017 Saint Joseph has plenty of black cherry and raspberry fruits intermixed with leafy herbs, olives, and pepper notes. It’s medium-bodied, elegant, and seamless, and should end up being an outstanding wine. Based just south of the town of Condrieu, Andre Perret continues to fashion some of the most profound Condrieu out there. In addition to his top single vineyards, don’t overlook his base Condrieu as it offers incredible quality and classic characteristics year in, year out. In addition to the Condrieu, he makes two elegant Saint Josephs that are closer in style to a Côte Rôtie than a Saint Joseph from the southern part of the appellation.
Aged in 15% new oak, the 2017 Saint Joseph boasts more than enough fruit to handle it. Pepper, cassis and blueberry notes mark the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich, creamy-textured and loaded with supple tannins. The lingering finish folds in hints of peppery spice and a touch of licorice. Impressive.