Outstanding for Jancis Robinson, who (correctly) points out how much this tastes like a serious red Hermitage:
Pepper, smoke, intense black-cherry fruit with high acid and medium tannins giving chalky texture. Perfumed finish – more floral than piquant. This is closer to Hermitage than the lighter styles of St-Joseph.
And for Dunnuck:
The appellation 2020 Saint Joseph is outstanding, offering juicy red and black fruits, some textbook Northern Rhône violet and peppery notes, medium body, fine tannins, and a beautifully balanced, elegant style that will drink well for a decade.
And a Vin Remarquable for the Guide Hachette:
This noble Saint-Joseph presents itself in a dark and dense color, the nose open on aromas of raspberry, blackberry, toast and spices. A palette that is enriched with notes of licorice, smoke and tar in a full, rich mouth, solidly structured by firm tannins but with a beautiful fine grain, with the added bonus of a lovely mineral finish that signs the terroir.
Outstanding ratings for Vinous and Suckling, too.
Cote-Rotie or Hermitage quality for only $40. This has to be the best northern Rhone value we’ve seen in years.