Saint-Joseph La Croix des Vignes 2021

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

Saint-Joseph La Croix des Vignes
2021

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • Vegan
Country
France
Regulated designation
Appellation origine controlée (AOC)
Region
Rhône Valley
Subregion
Northern Rhone
Appellation
Saint-Joseph
Varietal(s)
Syrah
Colour
Red
Sugar
Dry
Producer's website

About this winery

See the Paul Jaboulet Aîné detail page for more information on this brand

Product notes

Produced from schist and granite soils, this ‘La Croix des Vignes’ cuvée comes from 100% Syrah grapes on south-facing hillsides.

Production notes

Total destemming and fermentation at controlled temperature, aging for 9 months in oak barrels renewed with 15% new wood.

Tasting notes

Notes of candied black fruits perfume the glass, mixed with subtle notes of nuts, chocolate and dried figs. The mouth shows a nice granitic length coiled in a rich body with tapered tannins. Pairings with rib steak and duck breast.

Press reviews

Wine Advocate

- 94 points -

Joe Czerwinski, May 2021 (Vintage 2018)

Sourced from granite slopes between Mauves and Tournon, the 2018 Saint Joseph Domaine de la Croix des Vignes is a super effort marked by scents of crushed stone, violets, raspberries and blueberries. There's less spice than (for example) the Crozes-Hermitage from Domaine de Thalabert but more stone. It's medium to full-bodied, aristocratic and almost Hermitage-like in character, being restrained, straight and very long, finishing on hints of licorice and espresso.

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James Suckling

- 93 points -

James Suckling, August 2020 (Vintage 2018)

What a beautiful red with tile, spice, grilled meat and blackberries. It’s full-bodied with round, rich tannins and a long, flavorful finish. It’s very intense and well done for this appellation. Drink or hold.

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James Suckling

- 92 points -

James Suckling, April 2023 (Vintage 2021)

Still youthful, but this already has an expressive stony personality plus a slew of wild herb and licorice aromas. For this appellation the tannins are surprisingly polished, the minerality building at the finish. A cuvee from two steep sites in this appellation on granite soils. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2024.

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James Suckling

93-94

james Suckling, March 2022 (Vintage 2020)

Stunning nose of wild flowers and wild herbs with touches of graphite and licorice. This isn’t quite as austere as some examples of this appellation, but you need to like tannins and stony minerality to appreciate this sleek and highly structured Northern Rhone syrah. So much mineral freshness at the long, expressive finish. Limited production. From biodynamically grown grapes.

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Jancis Robinson

16+ Points / 20 Points

James Lawther, December 2021 (Vintage 2020)

Ripe and dense with a purity of fruit but some sweetness too. Tight and structured, the tannins solid and firm. Glow of alcohol on the finish. Big and powerful. Needs some time.

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Vinous

92-94

Josh Raynolds, May 2020 (Vintage 2018)

Deep-pitched dark fruit, floral and licorice aromas pick up a smoky mineral aspect and subtle olive and spicy white pepper flourishes with air. Coats the palate with ripe cherry, black currant and bitter chocolate flavors supported by a spine of juicy acidity. In a brawny style, finishing broad and long, with repeating smokiness, chewy tannins and a resonating cherry note.

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