13.5% abv, Château d’Ampuis, Amouis, imported by Vintus, New York, NY. Cork closure: natural. Biodynamic calendar: leaf day.
I have always thought the négotiant arm of Guigal produces decent wines. The entry level wines such as Côtes du Rhône albeit a bit generic (boring) are nice examples of the regional style and the wines at the Cru range such as this Saint-Joseph can be gorgeous examples of what Rhône can give when the vines have favorable terroir to the river. This 100% Syrah from 20-50 year old vines was aged for two years in second use oak barrels which are coopered in house at the Château d’Ampuis. Impressive élevage and it helps justify the nominally higher price tag that this wine carries for its realistic appellation.
Tasting note: The 2016 Saint-Joseph is medium purple in color with a pronounced nose of violet, smoked meat, plum, black cherry, blackberry and white pepper. Structurally, it is dry with medium+ acid, medium tannins, medium alcohol, medium+ body, medium+ flavor intensity and a medium+ finish with flavors of violet, blackberry, damson, elderberry, açaí, duck fat, and sagebrush herb. This wine is very good: 9.1/10. Drink now or through 2028.