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Indeed, all along the year, 2012 did not spare the Vignerons : even the savviest got confused, almost losing their points of references, while dealing with its tricks ! Heterogeneity in the vineyard would bear, right from the start, the mark of damage caused by winter frost. Sadly enough, very old Grenache and Syrah vines did not survive this frost. Loss of a precious heritage, impact on the yields of the upcoming harvest, Vignerons were already under pressure…
Conversely, the months of July and August were extremely hot, speeding up the maturing process, as a first step, but worsening water stress, in a second. Rarest reaction, the Vignerons came to bless the rains that fell beginning of September, as they profitably revived the phenolic ripening of the grapes. In the end, deciding the right moment to pick up grapes caused the serious Vignerons a real headache ! To the extent that the harvesting of the different cépages, in the different parcelles, followed a more than widely unusual order…
And now, for one more uncommon observation : opting for a later harvest was not necessarily the winning choice, in 2012 : the exception that
proves the rule !
Now, at this stage, as the Wines are nearing the end of the fermenting process,
they already impose their real potential : they are very, very, good… Thus, they lead us to admit that, from contrasts, Harmony can arise...
Saint-Pierre de Boeuf, Mauves, Chavanay, Sainte-Epine.
Type of soilGranite-clay soils.
Ageing12 months in new barrels. Allier et Tronçais. Then 6 months in foudre.
16°C
Decant an hour before tasting.
The fruit is completely honed, the mouth stretches, the wine lingers.
13%
BottlingWithout fining and filtration.
CépagesSerine Syrah
Coming from the northern part the appellation, the 2012 Saint Joseph Vieilles Vignes has an almost Cornas-like wildness to it (that’s what I would guess blind anyways), with perfumed violets, smoke, crushed rock, olive and assorted darker-styled fruit. Exhibiting a rich, layered texture, good acidity and loads of character, it’s a serious effort that will have 10-12 years or more of longevity.
Jeb Dunnuck
Wine Advocate
, 91-93/100
, 2013-12-01
Focused, with alluring dark cherry, plum and blackberry fruit, melded with bramble and dried anise notes. A flicker of white pepper adds a nice contrast on the finish
James Molesworth
Wine Spectator
, 90/100
, 2015-05-31
Dark and rich with juicy, bright, polished style; rich and intense blackberry and wild blueberry; lush, balanced and exquisite; a stunning wine from an under-appreciated appellation; masterful and complete.
Anthony Dias Blue
The Tasting Panel
, 93/100
, 2015-03-01
Opaque ruby. Captivating aromas of fresh black and blue fruits, violet, incense and smoky oak spices. Appealingly sweet and seamless on the palate, offering an array of dark berry and floral pastille flavors underscored by juicy acidity. Finishes with smooth, palate-dusting tannins that fade slowly into the wine's plush, mineral-accented fruit.
Josh Raynolds
Vinous
, 92/100
, 2015-02-01
Bright violet. Complex aromas of cassis, blueberry, Indian spices and black olive. Sweet, concentrated and chewy, offering powerful cassis and cherry compote flavors and a strong note of cracked pepper. Finishes long and sweet, with velvety tannins that fold smoothly into the wine's plush fruit. This fruit was sourced from vineyards in both the northern and southern parts of the appellation --in Chavanay, Saint-Pierre de Boeuf, Saint-Epine and Mauves--and exclusively from granitic soils.
Josh Raynolds
Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar
, 91-93/100
, 2014-04-01
60- and 100-year-old vines, some on granite, in decent communes. Very dark. Like the Crozes, much riper on the nose than most of its peers. Very full-on indeed. Attractive acidity and muscularity on the finish. Finishes with admirable freshness.
Jancis Robinson
, 16,5/20
, 2013-11-01