Jeannine Boutin, Parcelle de Jean, Saint Joseph, Rhône, 2010

Tasting: Saint Joseph 2010

Plums and mocha on the nose, quite oaky. Sleek and juicy, with abundant fresh fruit and an attractive texture. It’s perked up by quite good acidity though the tannins seem light. This has charm rather than weight but is none the worse for that. Quite good length.

Tasting: Saint Joseph 2010

An elegant nose combines notes from the kitchen garden with those from the orchard; the palate is equally poised, a little troubled hitherto by elevage but I am sure that the slightly drying tannins will settle down and that the inherent fruit character will come into its own.

Tasting: Saint Joseph 2010

The bouquet is deep, undeclared, and wide across the glass. Holds a profound level of dark stone fruit which comes with tobacco, bacon traces. The palate is muscular, filled. The matter is compact, brewed in nature, with a deep set of tannins that add bulk to the finishing moments. A St. Joseph of scale, natural scale, a low level of oak in it, too.