Presentation
Terroir
Understanding and succeeding this vintage required, indeed, presence in the Vineyard, careful work, a certain patience, and even, clearly, a genuine expertise…
Despite being described as “Great” by some Vignerons, its considerable heterogeneity, depending on the sectors, requires us to take a certain measure...
Shaped by very finkle spring weather conditions, this very demanding and singular vintage will remain engraved in winegrowers memories.
Cryptogamic pressure during the vegetative cycle was such that even the most hardened Vignerons were not necessarily rewarded for their painstaking, even relentless work in their vineyards. Damages on leaves and bunches vary... but Grenache yields are historically low, mainly due to the mildiou and the resulting severe sorting. Fortunately, the non-deleterious summer heat, combined with the “King Mistral”, enabled us to approach the harvest in slightly more serene conditions.
Thermal amplitudes in September were well marked and appreciated. However, phenolic ripeness were slow and not always achieved. Unfortunately, too many wines show a certain tannin and phenolic unbalance. Only patient Vigneron with “healthy” vineyards, willing to harvest late and sort, were able to pick grapes of highest quality. Successful wines will be rare this year!
Despite being described as “Great” by some Vignerons, its considerable heterogeneity, depending on the sectors, requires us to take a certain measure...
Shaped by very finkle spring weather conditions, this very demanding and singular vintage will remain engraved in winegrowers memories.
Cryptogamic pressure during the vegetative cycle was such that even the most hardened Vignerons were not necessarily rewarded for their painstaking, even relentless work in their vineyards. Damages on leaves and bunches vary... but Grenache yields are historically low, mainly due to the mildiou and the resulting severe sorting. Fortunately, the non-deleterious summer heat, combined with the “King Mistral”, enabled us to approach the harvest in slightly more serene conditions.
Thermal amplitudes in September were well marked and appreciated. However, phenolic ripeness were slow and not always achieved. Unfortunately, too many wines show a certain tannin and phenolic unbalance. Only patient Vigneron with “healthy” vineyards, willing to harvest late and sort, were able to pick grapes of highest quality. Successful wines will be rare this year!
Type of soil
La Madonne sur Chavanay, Sainte-Epine sur St-Jean de Muzols, Chanson sur Chavannay
Ageing
12 months in new and one old barrels.
Then 8 months in foudre - Tronçais and Allier
Then 8 months in foudre - Tronçais and Allier
Winemaking
1/2 not destemmed
Varietal
Syrah, Serine : 100%
Specifications
Alcohol content : 13 % vol.
Age of vines : Serine : over 100 years, Syrah : 60 years years old
Reviews
"Le saint-joseph se montre plein et pulpeux, porté par une fine touche beurrée bien intégrée dans un fruit où la violette domine."
"Salty and dark, with red fruit–flecked details of roasted spices, meat and ganache alongside savory tones of leather, singed dry herbs and star anise. A brush of toasty cedar is deftly managed, and there’s a touch of chewiness to the saline, tangy finish, focused and firm, held in place by a spine of solid iron."
"A velvety, attractive wine with dark cherries, spiced plums, warm spices and a hint of roasted meat on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Refined, with texture and focus. Flavorful, spicy and long."
"All from the Serine clone of Syrah and aged 24 months in a mix of new and recent barrels and foudres, the 2023 Saint Joseph Vieilles Vignes offers spicy red and black fruits intermixed with smoky bacon and peppery, meaty background nuances. It's medium-bodied, has a round, layered mouthfeel, and ripe yet present tannins."
