Rhône Valley's Finest

Bernard Gripa - Saint-Joseph red 2024

The flawlessly balanced Saint-Joseph shines with ripe red fruits alongside spicy tones and elegantly lifted earthy traces. Medium-bodied at most, the 2023 is as vibrant as well as charming, letting the palate settle with fresh black cherries on the long fadeaway. I doubt this will ever shut down. 91 points - Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous.

Bernard Gripa - Saint-Joseph White "Berceau" 2021

While the regular cuvée displays honeyed ripeness, Gripa’s 2019 Saint Joseph Blanc Le Berceau - old-vine Marsanne from the lieu-dit Saint-Joseph in Tournon - features scents of crushed stone, pencil shavings and citrusy fruit. Entirely barrel fermented and aged, it’s medium to full-bodied, concentrated and shows ample length and freshness on the finish. I’ve been deliberately conservative with my aging estimate but wouldn’t be surprised to see this drink well for a decade or more. It’s certainly among the top white wines from the appellation. 93 points, Joe Czerwinzki, Wine Advocate. 2019 review.

Trapadis - Chateau-Neuf-Du-Pape red 2023

Purple colour, rich and intense. Lively nose composed of aromas of wild strawberries, redcurrants, and grapefruit with hints of lemongrass. And also spicy touches of pepper and curry. On the palate, the freshness and power are expressed intensely and balanced on a silky, elegant, and generous material.

Jean-Luc Jamet - Cote du Rhone "Enclave" 2022

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+.

Jean-Luc Jamet - Cote du Rhone white "Couzou" 2021

The Cotes du Rhone Blanc Couzou is a blend of 60% Marsanne and 20% each Roussanne and Viognier. One-third is matured in barrel, while the balance stays in stainless steel. Scents of scorched orange zest, toasted marshmallow and white gumdrop emerge on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is plump and generous, and the wine finishes long, with a gentle edge of bitterness that provides a bit of freshness and focus. Drink it young. 89 points - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate. 2019 review.

Jean-Luc Jamet - Syrah "Valine" 2023

This Syrah “Valine” is exquisite, profound with hints of violet flowers. The nose is lifted and intense, displaying hints of five spice, blue fruits, violet and smoked bacon. The palate is silky displaying again a great intensity with a long length. Drink now.