2012 St Joseph Vignes des Hospices

Glass-staining ruby. Potent black and blue fruit aromas show excellent clarity, picking up smoky mineral, star anise and pipe tobacco qualities with aeration. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering hefty blueberry and bitter cherry flavors that are given lift and spine by juicy acidity. Packs a serious punch but comes off as lithe and precise, finishing with silky tannins, building florality and outstanding persistence.

Vignes de l’Hospice is a tiny, steep monopole vineyard with a little tower, owned by the local Hospice and leased to Guigal on a long-term basis. Based on the same granite block cut by the Rhône, oppose Bessards. South-southeast exposition. Very firm and massive but with the flesh of the other St-Josephs. Fresh sample(!), really charming but with a long life. (JR)

The first vintage bottled with the new label, the 2012 St Joseph Vignes des Hospices is already approachable and drinking beautifully. Its healthy ruby/purple color is followed by pretty, medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of cassis, black raspberries, chocolate and spring flowers. Medium to full-bodied, forward, beautifully textured and even a touch sexy, it can be enjoyed anytime over the coming 10-15 years. Dec 2015, www.robertparker.com