2014 St Joseph Le Clos
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Tasting notes
Inky ruby. Heady aromas of black and blue fruits, incense, olive and exotic spices are sharpened and lifted by a smoky mineral quality. Deep-pitched boysenberry, cherry and floral pastille flavors stain the palate and become sweeter and more energetic with air. Shows excellent delineation and a seamless texture, finishing with appealing sweetness and smooth tannins that sneak in late.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
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.
Inky purple. Highly perfumed, mineral- and spice-accented dark berries and candied violet on the nose. At once rich and lively, offering juicy, deeply concentrated black raspberry and cherry cola flavors plus a hint of smokiness. Turns spicier on the broad, clinging finish, which features building tannins and an emphatic echo of smoky minerals.
Cask sample. Granite and facing south west. With some clay of decomposed granite. Real lift. Quite severe but it opens out in the glass. Very concentrated and almost Hermitage-like. (JR)