M. Chapoutier : Les Granilites 2017

Even after decanting, the 2017 Saint-Joseph Les Granilites stubbornly clings to its aromas of wild thyme and struck flint. Drawn from vineyards around Mauves and Tournon, it's mildly herbal but strongly stony, with a rugged, slightly austere quality in the mouth. This needs a couple of years to mellow and for its lurking dark fruit flavors to emerge.

Lively, featuring black cherry and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors, backed by bramble, apple wood and anise notes. Juicy energy runs through the savory-tinged finish. Drink now through 2026. 15 cases imported.

Cask sample. Tasted blind. Lots of reduction on the nose and palate, compromising the purity of the fruit. Tart and rubbery. (RH)

All from the southern part of the appellation and brought up in 30% concrete tanks and the balance in mostly demi-muids, the 2017 Saint Joseph Les Granilites (not to be confused with the Les Granits) is another classic Saint Joseph that has bright red and black fruits, crushed stone, graphite, and white flower notes, with plenty of obvious minerality. Playing in the medium-bodied end of the spectrum, with good acidity and purity, it's going to put on weight with 2-3 years of bottle age and drink well for a decade.

More saline than deschants, more refined, with slightly more pronounced tannins but a nice return of freshness on the finish.

Beautiful definition with graphite notes brought by the terroir. Pure, straightforward juice. A tightly knit palate with precise fruit.