2015 St Joseph Lieu Dit Paradis

(sourced from the complex granite, loess and sedimentary soils of Mauves; 15% new oak) Bright violet. Powerful, spice-accented cassis, blueberry, candied violet and olive aromas, joined by a slowly emerging minerally element. Concentrated dark fruit preserve and floral pastille flavors are sharpened by a jolt of spicy black pepper. The mineral note recurs on a very long, smoky finish framed by chewy, mounting tannins.

Another Rockstar red is the 2015 Saint Joseph Lieu Dit Paradis, which comes from an east-facing site of broken granite soils outside of Mauves. Black raspberries, dried flowers, spice box and hints of pepper all emerge from this full-bodied, seamless, incredibly elegant, seamless 2015. It grows on you with time in the glass, has gorgeous granite character, and a great finish. Drink it over the coming 15-20 years. The only downside to these latest releases from Ferraton? They’re made in tiny quantities and there’s just not enough to go around. For readers who don’t know, this estate is managed by Michel Chapoutier, yet they have their own vineyard sources and winemaking team.

The 2015 Saint Joseph Lieu-Dit Paradis, from a vineyard in Mauves, is a blockbuster that manages to be incredibly dense and rich yet pure, offering up notes of crushed stone, vibrant cassis and black olive. Full-bodied and tannic, the wine will require some cellar time to civilize it, yet it already shows hints of greatness in its long, velvety finish.