2015 Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Saint-Joseph Lautaret
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Tasting notes
Deep ruby. Aromas of ripe dark berries, vanilla and peppery spices, joined by a smoky nuance that gains volume in the glass. Broad, fleshy and appealingly sweet, offering pliant dark berry and violet pastille flavors and a touch of bitter chocolate. Supple tannins frame the finish, which hangs on with strong, berry-tinged persistence.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Seeing slightly more new oak than the Les Coteaux, the 2015 Saint Joseph Lautaret gives up lots of bay leaf, cassis, currants, and leafy herb aromas and flavors. With full-bodied richness, terrific purity of fruit, and fine, silky tannin, it’s another terrific wine from the team that’s well worth seeking out. One of my favorite Cornas estate is that of brothers Eric and Joël Durand, who took over the running of this family estate in 1991. The winemaking is a mix of modern and traditional, with some destemming when needed, fermentations occurring in tank and concrete, and aging mostly in used barrels, with just a tiny amount being new. Their 2015s are certainly on par with what was produced in 2009 and 2010, and these are terrific, character filled wines I’d be happy to have in my cellar.
From 30-year-old vines and aged in 20% new barriques, the 2015 Saint Joseph Lautaret features scents of crushed stone and ripe cassis. It’s medium to full-bodied, with supple tannins and ample concentration, yet remains fruit-driven, with impressive intensity and length.