Rhône Valley's Finest

DOMAINE BERNARD GRIPA - SAINT-JOSEPH WHITE 2021

An expressive nose of flowers, beeswax, almonds, milk caramel and anise. It’s medium-bodied with bright acidity. Great volume and poise on the palate with an array of juicy fruit coating the mouth, and a vibrant, zesty finish. Drink or hold. 93 points, James Suckling. 70% Marsanne, 30% Roussanne.

JEAN-LUC JAMET - CÔTE DU RHÔNE WHITE "COUZOU" 2019

Still in wood (one-third) and tank (two-thirds) at the time of my visit, the 2018 Cotes du Rhone Blanc is a blend of 60% Marsanne and 20% each Roussanne and Viognier. It's full-bodied and rich, with notes of stone fruit, ripe melon and pineapple, plus hints of white pepper on the finish. Drink it young. 88-90 points - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate. 60% Marsanne, 20% Roussanne, 20% Viognier.

JEAN-LUC JAMET - CÔTE DU RHÔNE RED "L'ENCLAVE" 2021

Named for the fact that these vines are nearly surrounded by parcels classified as Côte Rôtie, the 2020 Cotes du Rhone l'Enclave was bottled the week before I arrived at the domaine. Yet the wine was looking good, with lovely raspberry and strawberry fruit, ample weight and richness on the palate and a long, silky finish. Fun stuff. 91 pts, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (2020). Drink now or keep in the cellar up to 2028+. 100% Syrah.

BERNARD GRIPA - SAINT-JOSEPH RED 2021

Shimmering violet colour. Primary red and blue fruit aromas, along with suggestions of olive, smoked meats and cracked pepper. Offers fleshy, appealingly sweet cherry and blackberry flavours that turn spicier and firm up through the back half. Subtly chewy tannins add grip to a long smoky finish that leaves cherry and spice notes behind. 91-93 points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous. Drink now by decanting for at least 45 minutes, or cellar until 2031. 100% Syrah