Domaine Bernard Gripa : Le Berceau 2023

Full-bodied, ripe and rich for a 2023, with surprisingly vibrant acidity. Forest berries throughout the nose and palate, less fragrant than Le Parady in style. Tannins are taut and fine, this really bursts with energy. 'A vintage when it's possible to make very good wine,' says Fabrice Gripa. 'It's just a question of what [fruit] we keep and what we don't.'

Coming from the oldest vines of the domaine and aged a year in 228-liter French oak barrels, the 2023 Saint Joseph Le Berceau is a brilliant effort that ranks with the best in the region. Ultra-classic red and black fruits as well as ground pepper, tapenade, and sappy, floral nuances emerge from the glass, with a bloody, meaty character developing with time in the glass. It's medium-bodied and has a concentrated mid-palate, ripe yet building tannins, and a great finish. This is a beautiful Saint-Joseph that readers should buy a case of and drink over the coming 15 years or so. There are roughly 4,900 bottles produced. Drink 2026-2041.