M. Chapoutier : Les Granits 2024

Good depth of colour, luminous. There’s a nice sense of purity here, it’s certainly ripe but not jammy or overripe. 10% whole bunch gives it a complex, spicy/herbal dimension. Medium-bodied, it's sufficiently concentrated but very drinkable, with fine tannins. It’s very classic. Strangely both very young at this stage, and quite drinkable; not overly concentrated, but it does have tannin. This will be a very elegant, compact and attractive St-Joseph when it's ready.

Cask sample. Hand-harvested. Vinification in small concrete vats with 10–15% whole bunch. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts and moderate use of SO2. Maceration for 3 weeks. Aged in barrel and muids for around 18 months, with 15% new barrels. pH 3.52, TA 3.46 (sulphuric). Deep crimson with a purple rim. Gorgeous aromatic combination of black pepper and intense violet-laced black fruit. Succulent, chewy tannins, smooth but thickly textured now and set to become much more refined with time. Generous, perfumed, with excellent freshness on the finish. Pure Syrah moderated by the stony/dry character derived from the site. The flavors linger on the palate and shouldn’t be rushed. Deliciously dry aftertaste. (JH)