2018 Vincent Paris Saint Joseph Les Cotes

For the first time, I am able to offer Magnums of his Saint Joseph, hailing from a steep, terraced single vineyard in Ardoix some 30km north of Cornas. This is an annual bistro-glu-glu delight, one of the best buys for an everyday Northern Rhone Syrah that one will encounter.

“(no new oak) Bright violet. Lively and focused on the nose, displaying spice-accented blue fruit, olive and floral scents and a hint of earthiness. Juicy boysenberry and bitter cherry flavors show very good depth and clarity and betray no excess fat. A smoky mineral note builds steadily on the long, floral-tinged finish, which is framed by smooth tannins. This wine should be quite approachable soon after release, as will many examples from the vintage.” 90-92 Josh Raynolds