E. Guigal Saint Joseph Vignes de L’Hospice - 2021

Eye : Deep red.

Nose : Complex with dominant black fruit and delicate oak aromas. A pure and intense nose.

Palate : A powerful attack. Powerful, round and elegant tannins

Overall : Originating from a geological formation similar to the famous Bessards slopes in Hermitage, this Saint-Joseph has all the finess of the appellation and the strength of its neighbour accross the river.

Wine Advocate 93-96: Perennially among the best bottlings from the appellation, the 2019 Saint-Joseph Vignes de l'Hospice looks set to rival the tremendous effort bottled in 2015. Enticing scents of crushed stone, pencil shavings and cassis appear on the nose (it ages in 100% new oak), and while this full-bodied wine packs plenty of power, it also shows characteristic granite-derived restraint, delivering a tense balance between ripeness and structure. It should be a beauty, but give it time, as the tannins are prominent at this early stage of its evolution.

James Suckling 95: Lovely aromas of grated nutmeg, white pepper, baked plums and wet stone. Medium-to full-bodied with velvety tannins. Mineral and transparent, with lovely clear red and black fruit. A bit of wood here from the 36 months in barrel but it is well attuned to the fruit and will mellow with time. Persistent with great balance. Best after 2024.

James Suckling 93: If you loved the Northern Rhone wines of 20 or 30 years ago, you will love this. Complex dried herb, smoked bacon and savory aromas. Only medium-bodied, but this has a compact core of healthy tannins and bright acidity. Long, firm finish. Drink or hold.