Ferraton Pere & Fils, Lieu-dit Saint-Joseph, Saint Joseph, Rhône, 2010

Tasting: Saint Joseph 2010

Hefty black cherry and plum nose. Rich, plump, and chocolaty, an oaky modern-style St Joseph with considerable power. It may not be elegant but it has weight and ample fruit. Solid and tannic without being too heavy, and a touch of pepper to enliven the finish. Quite long.

Tasting: Saint Joseph 2010

Honours shared on the nose between the evident oak and the ripe black fruit. The oak rather overwhelms the palate, which is a touch volatile and tannin. The high alcohol does not lift the spirit much.

Tasting: Saint Joseph 2010

Nutty, trace of spirit, red plum-fruited air – not sure how balanced it is. The palate starts on a note of scorched red fruit, swiftly followed by green tannin, making the wine discordant in its second half. Hollow. Uneven delivery from nose to finish. The aftertaste is parched; the fruit may recede from 2017.