2010 St Joseph

The 2010 St.-Joseph exhibits more tannin and tightness. I am not convinced it will equal the seductiveness of the 2011, but is certainly an excellent, long, rich effort. However, this is not the only estate where I noticed something special about the 2011 St.-Josephs. One of the most quality conscious estates in the Northern Rhone, Domaine Courbis produces a trio of vineyard designated Cornas as well as two cuvees of impressive St.-Joseph. After the brilliant success of their 2009 vintage, I thought it would be difficult for this estate to equal what they achieved, but the 2010s are all stunning, and the 2011s are not far behind. The Courbis family has nearly 48 acres in St.-Joseph and another 20 in Cornas, making them a relatively impressive family-owned estate. The Cornas vineyards are planted in decomposed granite soils with little top soil. The Cornas Les Eygats emerges from what the Courbis brothers feel is their greatest micro-climate, from a terraced vineyard composed of broken granite, planted at an altitude of 250 meters. Importer: Russell Herman, Berkeley Heights, NJ; tel. (908) 771-9082

Bright purple. Intense, highly perfumed aromas of blackberry, spicecake and violet, with a bright mineral quality adding vibrancy. Rich and expansive but lively, offering vibrant dark berry and floral pastille flavors that show a silky texture and impressive clarity. Finishes spicy, floral and long, with very good clarity.

The 2010 St.-Joseph exhibits more tannin and tightness. I am not convinced it will equal the seductiveness of the 2011, but is certainly an excellent, long, rich effort. However, this is not the only estate where I noticed something special about the 2011 St.-Josephs. ||One of the most quality conscious estates in the Northern Rhone, Domaine Courbis produces a trio of vineyard designated Cornas as well as two cuvees of impressive St.-Joseph. After the brilliant success of their 2009 vintage, I thought it would be difficult for this estate to equal what they achieved, but the 2010s are all stunning, and the 2011s are not far behind. The Courbis family has nearly 48 acres in St.-Joseph and another 20 in Cornas, making them a relatively impressive family-owned estate. The Cornas vineyards are planted in decomposed granite soils with little top soil. The Cornas Les Eygats emerges from what the Courbis brothers feel is their greatest micro-climate, from a terraced vineyard composed of broken granite, planted at an altitude of 250 meters. Wine Advocate.December, 2012