2005 St Joseph
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
All old oak – some demi-muids (600-litre casks) and some pièces (228l Burgundian barrels). Jérome Coursodon, Pierre’s son, was very keen to point this out to me – as an indication that they align themselves with Burgundy rather than Bordeaux. Very dark purple crimson. Both dense and fragrant. Then fresh and surprisingly delicate on the palate but with good length and a good firm grip at the end. Very accomplished. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2005 St.-Joseph, his basic cuvee, is stunning stuff. Fresh, lively, with a deep ruby/purple color and notes of stones interwoven with flowers, red and black fruits, and plenty of licorice and earth, the wine should drink nicely for 7-10 years. The young Coursodon has become one of the top producers of St.-Joseph over the last four or five years, and qualitatively, his 2005s are the equivalent of his freakishly ripe, concentrated, and opulent 2003s. However, this is a differently styled vintage with more tannin, structure, and acidity, and for that reason the winemakers tend to see it as a classic year. All of these wines merit serious attention, and should age beautifully for at least a decade or more. A Patrick Lesec Selection, various American importers, including Chemin des Vins, Sherborn, MA; tel. (508) 545-1532; Vermont Wine Merchants, Burlington, VT; tel. (802) 658-6771; Noble House, New York, NY; tel. (212) 736-0040; Wm. Harrison Imports, Manassas, VA; tel. (703) 815-9463; The Stacole Company, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 998-0029, Fine Vines, Melrose Park, IL; tel. (708) 343-6702, Silver State, Reno, NV; tel. (775) 331-3400; and Wine Warehouse, Commerce, CA; tel. (323) 724-1700
Medium red. Intensely floral aromas of violet-laced raspberry and strawberry. Light in body but bright and intensely fruity, with vibrant red fruit flavors and fine, almost unnoticeable tannins. Drinking well already.