Saint Joseph Vignes de L’Hospice

Coming from an incredible vineyard located just above the village of Tournon (which Marcel states matter of factly is the best terroir in the appellation), the 2019 Saint Joseph Vignes De L'Hospice reveals a deeper purple hue as well as an Hermitage-like style in both its aromatics as well as its structure. This makes sense, as the soils are basically identical. Blueberries, blackberries, burning embers, leather, and violets are just some of its nuances, and it's full-bodied on the palate, with a deep, concentrated mid-palate, wonderful tannins, and a great finish. Where the other Saint-Josephs show the ripe, sunny style of the vintage, this, as always, remains much more cool-climate like, focused, and almost austere. Aged 30 months in new barrels, it's a candidate for the wine of the vintage and will have 30 years of longevity.

Lovely aromas of grated nutmeg, white pepper, baked plums and wet stone. Medium-to full-bodied with velvety tannins. Mineral and transparent, with lovely clear red and black fruit. A bit of wood here from the 36 months in barrel but it is well attuned to the fruit and will mellow with time. Persistent with great balance. Best after 2024.