Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Saint-Joseph V.2018
Northern Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
Made entirely from 100% Syrah, this wine hails from one of the most celebrated AOCs of the Northern Rhône. The 2018 vintage was a powerful, structured year, known for ripe fruit and depth, making it one of the standout recent harvests in the appellation.

Aromas & Flavors
Nose: blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, and spices (notably black pepper, nutmeg) with floral hints of honeysuckle.
Palate: savory notes of smoked meats, olives, herbs, licorice, chocolate, and a touch of oak, layered beautifully with rich black fruit.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, meaty, and concentrated with ripe tannins, round structure, and long finish. Balanced acidity ensures freshness while delivering intensity and elegance.

Winemaking & Style
Traditional Rhône winemaking highlights the terroir’s granite soils and classic Syrah character. The 2018 vintage is built for longevity, with the richness of fruit and structure to age gracefully for another decade.

Food Pairing
Ideal with duck confit, braised short ribs, lamb shank, venison stew, or wild mushroom risotto. Pairs just as well with aged cheeses like Comté or Manchego.

Verdict
A textbook Saint-Joseph: bold yet elegant, savory yet fruity, with the hallmark spice and depth that defines Northern Rhône Syrah. Aging potential of 10+ years, but already showing incredible balance and drinkability now. — 3 months ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2015 vintage. Second vintage consulted by Hubert de Boüard. A blend of 55% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot. Textbook Margaux of Cru Classé quality. Refinement and depth with a serious soft tannic backbone and great length. Terrific value at 20 euros. Highly recommended. — 4 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Dark Ruby red color with dark berry fruit, herbs and spice aromas, blended with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. On the palate flavors of plum, cherry and dried herbs with leather, cacao and espresso notes. Fine tannins, medium+ finish spicy ending, good now. — 6 months ago

Hum

9.1

Textbook St. Julien, pepper, cedar, pencil, currant, tobacco. — 2 years ago

Ainsley

9.0

Well structured and balanced wine; great density and silky tannins. Blackberry, black cherry, cedar and clove meet on the palette. Great find! — 5 years ago

Tom Casagrande

9.2

Very nicely balanced and fragrant. Dried sea shells, chicken broth, hay, lemon-lime. Rounded and juicy in the mouth, with chalky minerality, nicely ripe fruit, and nice acids. Pretty textbook. — 5 years ago

Vinny Brooklyn

9.6

Simply outstanding. Birth year of my daughter, Paul sent this to me. Traveled with us from NYC to Japan. Cork was a bit problematic. Despite the label notes of timing this was still gong strong. Clearly measured up to Paul’s La Tour great vintage aspirations. Wish we had more than the remaining 1/2 bottle. Textbook wine and not just CA. — 2 years ago

romo

9.1

Textbook chenin, full satisfying mid-palate. Would have enjoyed this earlier in the sequence. — 3 years ago

Nathan Renfro

9.6

Must decant, right out of the bottle it’s a little green, but cassis still comes through. Give it 45 min plus and it’s a treat. Dark black fruit, well integrated silky tannins, slightly dense full mouthfeel with nice long finish. I just love this wine. — 5 years ago

Adam Beasley

8.9

Lean, but creamy, with sweet pear and soft lemon taking the lead. No sharp edges, easy-drinking with a textbook flavor profile. — 5 years ago