Saint Joseph Rouge Les Granits, M Chapoutier, Northern Rhone, France, 2011 

Hand-picked 100% organic Syrah produced using biodynamic principles. Total crop is destemmed. One month fermentation in concrete vats using only the free-run juice. Aged in oak for 18 months. 

Aromas and flavours of black fruit jam, smoke and mineral overtones. Tight tannins and a long persistence in the mouth.

In Saint Joseph, as in Hermitage, elevated soils of high granite composition give both Syrah and Marsanne a unique style in an otherwise more simple, broad appellation. The hill above Tournon, the village across the Rhône from Tain, is almost as steep as Hermitage itself, though not so south-facing. Consequently, the vines are very poor yielding, and the wines are able to express place more clearly than the average wine of the appellation. Small plots of 2.4 and 2.3 hectares of 60-80 year old vines of Syrah and 60+ year old vines of Marsanne yield 400 and 900 cases respectively of each of the Les Granits Rouge and Blanc.

"More sexy and flamboyant, the 2011 Saint Joseph Les Granits showed similar to last year, with loads of kirsch, blackberry, rose petal, spring flowers and hints of meatiness giving way to a full-bodied, sweetly fruited Saint Joseph that can be enjoyed anytime over the coming decade." 94/100 Jeb Dunnuck Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Drink with fish in a tapenade sauce, small game, lamb and pork, or soft cheeses.