Francois Villard, Reflet, Saint Joseph, Rhône, 2010

Tasting: Saint Joseph 2010

Smoky plummy nose, with a slight meatiness that gives complexity. Broad, supple, moderately concentrated, and with enough acidity to keep it fresh. but there’s something jarring about the acidity too, and the wine overall lacks harmony. Moderate length.

Tasting: Saint Joseph 2010

A nose dominated by graphite and pencil shavings, with the fruit character a shade obfuscated, is followed by an indulgent and richly ripe palate, with balanced acidity, assertive but poised tannins and a pleasing depth.

Tasting: Saint Joseph 2010

Tar-liquorice, blackberry fruit in an abudant nose, is ripe, full and wide. The palate links well to the nose, showing a squeezy berry fruit, blackberry and prune, with an enticing floral, light spice thread. Good length, finishes with a flourish, plenty of scented fruit as it closes. Rather striking wine, whose tannins need 18 months more.