Guigal St Joseph Lieu Dit Rouge 2015 (750ML)

96 JS / 95 WS / 95 JD / 94 WA / 93 VM / 92 DE / 17.5 JR

A very fleshy, ripe and slightly rounder expression that has a very impressive array of graphite, dark, stony minerals and blackberries, swathed in freshly ground, woody spices, bacon fat and pepper. There’s immense composure to the palate with dark-plum essence, dark chocolate and blackberries. Firm, oak tannins frame it up nice and long. Powerful. This needs time but has a long life ahead. -James Suckling

Dark and winey, with intense waves of warm fig, blackberry and black currant compote flowing through, framed by mocha and apple wood accents. Everything pulls together over a strong graphite edge on the finish. Inviting now, but should be better with cellaring. Best from 2020 through 2030. From France.—J.M - Wine Spectator

The Saint Joseph Lieu Dit Saint Joseph releases all come from a fabulous south-facing, granite hillside located just to the south of Tournon. The 2015 Saint Joseph Lieu Dit Saint Joseph is a full-bodied, sexy beast of a wine that boasts a saturated purple color, huge notes of blackberries, burning embers, graphite, and background oak, a stacked mid-palate, and sweet yet building tannins. Despite all its richness and depth, it has thrilling purity of fruit and is impeccably balanced. Don’t miss this beauty! - Jeb Dunnuck

Recently bottled, the 2015 Saint Joseph lieu dit Saint Joseph spent close to 24 months in 100% new oak. This full-bodied, rich and concentrated wine is tannic yet ripe and generous, offering hints of toasted almonds, pastry crust and blackberry pie filling. It should drink well for up to 15 years, maybe more. JC – The Wine Advocate

(aged for 24 months in new oak) Bright purple. Powerful, spice-tinged aromas of dark fruit liqueur, mocha, pungent flowers and smoky minerals. Smooth and expansive on the palate, offering ripe blackberry and bitter cherry flavors, a sweet vanilla nuance and an exotic touch of fruitcake. Closes on a vibrant floral pastille note, displaying impressive energy, supple tannins and very strong, spicy persistence. - Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media

From 20 to 75 year old vines grown in very steep gneiss and granite soils near Mauves, yielding 38 hl/ha in 2015. The wine spent 24 months in new oak, and was bottled without fining or filtration. Immediately you feel the power of the sunny vintage in the ripeness and relaxed nature of the fruit. It is full-bodied and rich in fruit, but generous oak is also apparent. The tannins are a touch on the dry side. A long, rich, slightly warming finish. - Decanter

Sleek and juicy and with ultra-fine tannic texture to give just a frisson of powdery grip on the finish. Long and smoky on the finish – this combines power and elegance in a very convincing way. (RH) Jancis Robinson.com