2012 St Joseph Les Reflets
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Tasting notes
75% whole cluster, aged 18 months in 50% new oak. Chocolate, black cherry, and a little sappiness lending interest. Really complete – the fruit is emphatic but not heavy, and there is an emerging spiciness that is really attractive. (RH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Looking at the Saint Josephs, the 2012 Saint Joseph Reflet sees a full 70%whole cluster fermentation and 50% new oak. Coming from the northern part of the appellation, it’s loaded with black pepper, charcoal, spice and darker-styled fruit, and shows a masculine firm edge on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, with serious cut and focus, it will need short term cellaring to become approachable, yet should evolve for upwards of a decade easily. (Not yet released) Made by Francois Villard, with varying degrees of whole cluster fermentation, these wines shows the racier, focused and peppery side to Syrah. Bright acids, notable tannin and pure, clean flavors are the norm here. Given the high level of stem usage, the vast majority of these will benefit from short term cellaring. Importer: Elite Wine, Lorton, VA; Tel. (703) 339-8150
Heady, rich purple fruited nose. Racy and lively. So seductive! Already chock full of charm. Very fine, polished tannins. You could enjoy this already! The fruit almost totally covers the tannins. (JR)