2007 St Joseph
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Tasting notes
Dark purple. Textbook syrah aromas of cassis, olive, smoked meat, violet and black pepper. Pliant dark berry flavors are framed by supple tannins and complemented by suggestions of candied violet and bitter chocolate. Finishes with good grip and sweet dark fruit persistence. The smoky, meaty note gains strength with air and I suspect that it might be too pronounced and even funky for those used to squeaky-clean wines, but fans of traditional northern Rhone syrah should love it. This is the first vintage for this wine, which is sourced from 30+-year-old hillside vines in Sarras, in the southern "classic" section of the appellation.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
The same can be said for Gerin’s debut vintage of 2007 St.-Joseph. It exhibits high acidity, a herbaceous character, red currants, and raspberries. Jean-Michel Gerin used to sell 30% of his production in the United States, but when I visited him in late 2007, he was no longer exporting his wines to America. He told me he was not getting paid, and I suspect he is only one of what will undoubtedly be many casualties of the international economic crisis. It is sad to see consumers being denied access to some of the best wines being made in France as well as elsewhere. Importer: Bond Street Imports (www. bondstreetimports.com)