2016 St Joseph Silice

Readers looking to understand the style of this estate should snatch up the 2016 Saint Joseph Silice, as it's a classic Syrah that shows both the vintage character as well as the style of the estate. Blackberries, pepper herbs, and plenty of earthy minerality all emerge from this medium-bodied, charming, supple, fleshy Syrah that has sweet tannins and loads of upfront charm. It's ideal for drinking over the coming 4-6 years. This cuvée comes from 30-year-old vines outside of Mauves (which is where the estate is located), was all destemmed, and spent 12 months in barrel. One of the rising stars in the appellation, Domaine Coursodon is run by the young, talented Jérôme Coursodon, who’s a fifth-generation winemaker and started at his family estate in 1999 after traveling and working abroad. Today, the estate covers 38 acres, all in the southern part of Saint Joseph, near the village of Mauves and Tournon. Coursodon makes up to four separate Saint Joseph reds and two whites, with the reds seeing close to 100% destemming and aging in a combination of demi-muids and Burgundy barrels. Readers looking for some of the best Saint Josephs out there need to get on this estate’s bandwagon.