St Joseph and Crozes Hermitage stand out as the two ‘go to’ appellations for those seeking value in the northern Rhône. While the wines of St Joseph tend to be earlier maturing than those of Cornas, Côte Rotie and Hermitage, the best examples capture the peppery essence of northern Rhône Syrah.
Such is the case with the 2011 St Joseph ‘Soulane’ from Domaine du Mortier. The wine delivers cherry/raspberry coulis overlaid by a gentle layer of cracked black pepper, floral lift lending aromatic complexity. Two years on from vintage, it’s a touch on the young side, and desperately needs food, preferably steak au poivre, venison or pigeon.
2011 ST JOSEPH ‘SOULANE’Producer: Domaine du Mortier
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz
Vintage: 2011
Region: Northern Rhône, France
ABV: 13%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: 18.00 Euros
Date tasted: 8 September 2013
Tasting Note:
Inky raspberry red. Inviting nose of cherry/raspberry coulis, cracked black pepper, lilac and violets. Medium bodied, elegant, sweet fruited up-front quickly moves to savoury on the mid-palate. Liquorice, quite meaty. Noticeable peppery spice on the finish. Essence of northern Rhône Syrah.
Score: 16/20
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