2015 Aurélien Chatagnier Saint-Joseph
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Tasting notes
Bright violet color. Spice-accented black and blue fruit aromas are complemented by hints of cracked pepper and smoky minerals. Silky and broad on the palate, offering sweet black raspberry and boysenberry flavors that show good depth and supple texture. The spicy note repeats on a long, fruity finish that's shaped by gentle, harmonious tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
I like the 2015 Saint Joseph Saint Joseph a touch more than the La Sybarite. It offers slightly more purity and classic aromas and flavors. Black raspberries, leafy herbs, incense, and exotic flowers all emerge from this medium-bodied, elegant, nicely textured 2015 that has lots to love. It should drink nicely for 8-10 years, if not longer. I continue to enjoy the wines from the young Aurelien Chatagnier, who pulls from vines in the northern part of Saint Joseph, Condrieu, and Cote Rotie. However, these latest 2015s and 2016 had lifted, slightly volatile characters and leaned too far towards the “natural” end of the spectrum. They’re good, at times outstanding wines, but they could be even better.
As to the reds, Chatagnier’s 2015s were impressive across the board. The 2015 Saint Joseph was my favorite in the lineup and has an alluring forest floor and damp earth character, as well as lots of pepper, gamey meat, graphite and liquid blackberry aromas and flavors. These give way to a full-bodied, rich, concentrated St Joseph that has ripe, present tannin, good freshness and a big finish. It should be a terrific wine.
Cask sample. Tasted blind. Deep crimson. Nervy nose. Spreads across the palate. Dry finish but massively concentrated fruit. Liquorice and ink. (JR)