2022 St Joseph Les Granilites

The 2022 Saint Joseph Les Granilites is largely in the same mold, with a medium-bodied, balanced, elegant profile that has lots of textbook pepper, violets, and spicy notes as well as a darker, almost blue-fruited style. It's another outstanding Syrah in the making. 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.

Slight reduction on the nose, clean and fresh with a grilled-almond character as well. There is a sense of ripeness, apple skin and a note of grilled nut that comes through on the palate. Fresh and spiced notes as well. Good freshness, well balanced – and has a good weight – a slight pithy note on the finish. (AC)