M. Chapoutier Les Granits Saint-Joseph Rouge 2021 (Subskription)

"Crushed stone, cracked pepper and ripe blueberries appear on the nose of the 2018 Saint-Joseph Les Granits. Black olives show up on the palate, adding a welcome savory note. Atypically full-bodied and velvety, I expect more structure to emerge with time."

"Dark black fruit and smoke on the nose pull you into this St.-Joseph that manages to be both meaty and elegant. Impressive tannin structure that isn’t a jot too much. Pleasantly dry, but slightly short finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold."

"Assertively perfumed, spice-accented dark berry liqueur, floral pastille and smoky mineral scents show fine delineation and a hint of olive. Sappy and expansive on the palate, offering plush boysenberry and black raspberry flavors that deepen and become sweeter through the midpalate. Deftly blends richness and energy and finishes impressively long and floral, with smooth tannins and an echoing mineral note."

"Touch of fresh peat and seaweed on the nose at this early stage. Lovely weight and freshness on the palate, very clear and detailed. Tannins are measured, the wine has a crispness and even a touch of black pepper. Earthy, spicy style, not overly ripe or concentrated - you see the structure with clarity. Will drink well young, and offer a lot of pleasure, showing terroir and complexity without great concentration or length. Great balance and freshness however."