Benoit Roseau, Cuvee Patagone, Saint Joseph, Rhône, 2010

Tasting: Saint Joseph 2010

Slightly tarry, meaty nose, with some oak influence and enough fruit aromas to give it some lift. Rich, solid, full-bodied, and concentrated but it’s effortful and moderate acidity means it lacks drive and persistence. An old-fashioned wine with chewy tannins but some fruit shines through despite the rusticity.

Tasting: Saint Joseph 2010

Deep and rich of colour, the wine is equally expressive on the nose with aromas of cassis, black cherry and oak. The palate is quite extracted, the macerated fruit character almost subdued by the oak; an unholy alliance, its fate somewhat hard to read.

Tasting: Saint Joseph 2010

Oily, tea leaves, chicken stock, black fruit aroma, is rich, almost plush, has notes of entrails. There is a meaty, traditional style to this, with its red fruit very typical of the southern zone, and a drying effect late on. The main problem is the dry feature, perhaps from old oak. Dwindles on the finish. Needs country foods; drink soon.