Gabriel Meffre, Laurus, Saint Joseph, Rhône, 2010

Tasting: Saint Joseph 2010

Dense blackberry nose, abundant fruit. Rich, full-bodied and concentrated, a fine modern-style Syrah with drive and brightness. Both tannins and acidity are ripe and give structure. Balanced and long.

Tasting: Saint Joseph 2010

Dense colour and a rich nose of creme de cassis, hedgerow and clove. The palate has firm tannins, fine balancing acidity and impressive length; certianly worthy of keeping and meriting some quite serious fare, perhaps game!

Tasting: Saint Joseph 2010

Prune, soaked black fruits air with a sweet note in them – this is a plump, ample bouquet, shows a hint of raspberry and chicken stock. The palate has an earthy aspect, its berry fruit filled with matter and some hefty tannins. It ends on a robust note, the tannins criss-crossing in slightly menacing fashion. Wait, decant. Full-on St. Joseph.