Amphores 2023 Saint-Joseph Les Mésanges

"Les Mésanges" is a cuvée of Saint-Joseph made from 30 to 50 year-old organic Syrah vines on biotite granite soils in the vineyards of "Pecher" and "Vauturerie" at Chavanay, 30 - 40% whole cluster, aged 18 months in 600 liter barrels, 2 to 8 years-old. This is the most structured and age-worthy of the Domaine des Amphores Saint-Josephs and is a full-bodied, elegant wine in the sapid and concentrated 2023 vintage. The wine will benefit from a few years of aging, and needs a bit of time open if drinking now.  The wine shows a deep black/red color that coats the glass with fresh aromas of black raspberry/cherry liqueur, quite ripe, with violet, spice, black olive and bitter chocolate. The palate is lush and supple, densely textured, with black fruit liqueur, blueberry, spice, earth and mineral flavors, quite intense and with terrific length. This is an authentic and delicious Northern Rhone Syrah from great farming, at a great price! Best to decant if drinking now, or cellar a few years and enjoy until 2040.