Domaine Coursodon : La Sensonne 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Domaine Coursodon Saint-Joseph "La Sensonne" 2023

Tasting notes

Colour
A dark hue emerges, evoking ink and black berries.

Nose
The nose reveals intense aromas of black fruit, such as concentrated blackcurrant and black cherry, mingled with mineral notes of graphite and crushed stone. Subtle touches of sweet spice, vanilla and wood underline the whole.

Palate
On the palate, this wine is rich and concentrated, offering fine breadth. The structure is well-balanced, supported by ripe tannins and perfectly integrated oak. The finish, of impressive length, extends the spicy and mineral notes perceived on the mid-palate.

Food and wine pairing

Suggested by the estate alongside pigeon with woodcock sauce, this wine also pairs wonderfully with slow-cooked beef dishes such as shin, poultry in sauce like duck, or aged hard cheeses.

Service and storage

Approachable in its youth, this 2023 vintage also boasts fine ageing potential and can be enjoyed until around 2033.

The richness and structure of a red wine from the Rhône Valley

The estate

Founded at the end of the nineteenth century by Antonin and Jean-Auguste, Domaine Coursodon is a historic figure of the Rhône Valley. Today, the 16-hectare estate is run by Jérôme Coursodon, representing the fifth generation, who joined his father Pierre in 1998. Farmed organically, the estate stands out for its philosophy that the sum of small details makes the difference. It notably played a key role in the creation of its appellation in the 1950s.

The vineyard

The grapes come from old vines located mainly in Mauves, the historic birthplace of the Saint-Joseph appellation, as well as in the communes of Tournon and Saint-Jean-de-Muzols. The vineyard sits on steep slopes with granite soils, benefiting from south and east exposures that maximise sun exposure. Yields are rigorously limited to guarantee optimal berry concentration, cooled by breezes from the valley.

The vintage

The year 2023 was marked by a heavy crop load, requiring substantial thinning work in the vineyards to control yields. Harvesting was completed early, on 28 July.

Winemaking and ageing

Production of the Saint-Joseph "La Sensonne" 2023 begins with maceration and fermentation in open vats for 18 days, accompanied by manual punch-downs twice daily. The wine is then aged on the lees for at least 15 months, entirely in new Burgundy oak barrels.

Grape variety

Syrah (100%).