Domaine JL Chave, St-Joseph, Les Serines, Rhône, 2011

Some of the best, most enjoyable wines that you can drink are from legendary producers working at village or generic appellation level, and this St-Joseph by Chave absolutely proves the point. This is an appellation where the family has spent the last few years reconstructing dry-stone terraces on the steep slopes of Bachasson, harnessing the potential of Syrah. The result is a wine with intense redcurrant fruit flavours accompanied by charcoal, liquorice and soft floral notes. The tannins are fine and the acidity is sculpted; this is finessed and elegant, the northern Rhône at its approachable but brilliant best. Drunk at home over dinner with friends, it made an already lovely evening even lovelier.