2016 St Joseph

The 2016 vintage is another terrific one for the Northern Rhone, making opportunities like this all the more tempting. For Jeb Dunnuck “the 2016s shine for their purity, elegance, and balance, while still showing good depth of fruit, awesome purity, and sweet tannin” and “will also be more approachable and drinkable at an earlier age” than the 2015s. As such, it’s perfect to have both in the cellar. Silky smooth and concentrated in the glass with a deep purple core. Black and blue fruit leap from the glass followed by smoked meat and a streak of stony minerality. Lovely weight; masses of concentrated fruit that is finely detailed and beautifully balanced by fresh acidity and luxurious tannins. Finishes with a real flourish, hinting at great things to come but so drinkable now. Lovely.