2022 St Joseph Les Granilites Blanc

The 2022 Saint Joseph Les Granilites Blanc is a clear step up and brings good richness and depth. Quince, orange blossom, and spicy notes all flow to a medium-bodied, round, supple, nicely balanced white that has nicely integrated acidity, good mid-palate depth, and outstanding length. It's a pretty, pure, classy white that will evolve for 5-7 years. 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.