Chapoutier St. Joseph Les Granits 2018

Critical Acclaim: 97 pts Jeb Dunnuck; 93-95 pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate; 93-95 pts Vinous. 

Winemaker Tasting Notes: The appearance is very deep garnet red. The nose is black fruit jam, smoked and mineral overtones. On the palate, there are smoky and peppered aromas. Tight tannings with a long persistency in mouth. The wine can be kept from 30 to 60 years, indeed from 50 to 77 years. 

A more reductive, meaty, backward effort than normal, the 2018 Saint Joseph Les Granits is all Syrah that comes from unquestionably one of the top terroirs in Saint-Joseph. It was vinified in concrete tanks and aged in a mix of barrels and demi-muids, 20% being new. It blossoms with air and reveals an almost Hermitage-like class and minerality, with killer crème de cassis and black raspberry fruits supported by loads of smoked game, saddle leather, crushed stone, barbecue smoke, garrigue, and violet-like aromas and flavors. Just incredible on the palate as well, with medium to full-bodied richness, awesome tannins, and a liquid rock-like minerality, this tour de force from Saint-Joseph ranks with the finest vintage of this cuvée ever made and matches the 2015, although it shows a very different style. It should be snatched up by readers. It will need 3-5 years of bottle age and will drink brilliantly over the following 20 years or more.- Jeb Dunnuck

Serving Suggestion: Fish in tapenade sauce; small game, lamb cooked pork meats, soft cheeses and goat cheese. 

Varietal: Syrah.