2011 Maison Chapoutier Saint Joseph Le Clos

Vinous Media (VM)

Glass-staining ruby. A smoky, perfumed bouquet presents blackberry, cassis, dried flowers and musky herbs, with a bright mineral overtone. Juicy dark berry flavors are suave and open-knit, with notes of licorice and allspice coming on late. Pliant, sappy and sweet on the gently tannic finish, which strongly repeats the blackberry note.

Wine Advocate (WA)

Similarly styled and getting an “awesome wine” in the notes, the 2011 Saint Joseph Les Clos shows that this vineyard is for real. Creme de cassis, licorice, crushed rock, graphite and pepper all show in the glass, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness and depth, crazy purity and blockbuster length. It too is possibly the wine of the vintage and certainly, one of the finest Saint Josephs I’ve ever tasted.