2015 St Joseph

Glass-staining ruby. Heady, mineral-accented dark berry and floral pastille aromas show outstanding clarity and pick up an Indian spice nuance with air. Juicy and penetrating on the palate, offering intense bitter cherry, boysenberry and spicecake flavors that are given spine and lift by a core of juicy acidity. Finishes floral and extremely long, displaying resonating spiciness and steadily mounting tannins. (JR)

The red of the estate comes from vineyards around Mauves, Tournon and Saint-Jean-de-Muzols. The 2015 Saint Joseph sports an inky purple color as well as rich, decadent notes of black raspberries, olives, bacon fat and bouquet garni. Possessing full-bodied richness, a fat, unctuous texture, lots of classic Syrah pepperiness and gamy nuances, and sweet tannin, drink it anytime over the coming 15-20 years. Unquestionably one of the leading estates in St Joseph, Pierre Gonon is run with incredible talent and passion by brothers Jean and Pierre Gonon. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to taste their 2016s, but I’ve yet to see this estate put a foot wrong.

The 2015 Saint Joseph is a head-turner. Knockout aromas of violets, herbal notes and hints of raspberry preserves mark the nose of this medium to full-bodied wine. It’s firmly tannic but ripe and concentrated, with a long, mouthwatering finish.