Rousset 2023 Saint-Joseph Rouge

The 2023 Rousset Saint-Joseph is from a one-half hectare parcel of 35 to 70 year-old vines in "Les Rivoires" on the slope in Tournon, a cool, very steep, late-ripening terroir with clay, sand and stones over firm granite. Aged 12 months, 30% foudre, 70% 1 to 5 year-old barrels. This is prime Saint-Joseph terroir (the Gonons have vines in "Rivoires" as well) giving a dense well-structured wine that is enjoyable young, as most of the grapes are de-stemmed, and that will drink well over the next ten to fifteen years. "quite a dark red; the nose has a smoky, pumice stone air, alert blackberry with some black cherry sweetness, black fruit gums, violets from the granite. The palate has an iron-toned intro, a spine of direction, is genuine country St Jo, retains its juice with sweet notes, tasty pockets. It ends softly, calmly, with powder tannins there, is aromatic St Jo red." (Drink Rhone) This is will provide serious Northern Rhone pleasure at a moderate price. Highly recommended. - David Lillie