2022 St Joseph Deschants

Leading off the Saint Joseph from barrel, the 2022 Saint Joseph Deschants was all destemmed and brought up 70% in concrete and 30% in used barrels. Ripe blue fruits, peppery herbs, and violets all define the aromatics, and this beauty is nicely balanced, medium-bodied, and has ripe, fine tannins. It clearly has outstanding potential. This was another fabulous tasting with Michel Chapoutier and his team, and it continues to be one of the highlight tastings I do in a year. The portfolio is massive, so there’s certainly something in here for everyone. Looking at the 2021s, I was able to retaste a handful of the flagship whites, and these appear to have shut down slightly. I wouldn’t touch bottles for another 3-5 years. The reds are leaner and focused, but balanced, and certainly impeccably made. However, the 2022s continue to trend here, starting around 2017 or 2018, toward fresher, lighter wines, both with the reds and whites. In addition, they’re all experimenting with whole cluster fermentations, which works beautifully in the wines I was able to taste.