Needs time: Saint-Joseph
… Coursodon, a single-minded domaine …
The appellation of Saint-Joseph lies in the Northern Rhône straddling a length of around 30 miles from just south of Condrieu on the west side of the river, and marching on past Crozes-Hermitage and Hermitage on the east bank, to the borders of Cornas.
Many of the main producers make a Saint-Joseph: Guigal, Chapoutier, Jaboulet to name but a few. However, it ofter slips under the radar compared to the other regions sitting in this part of the valley: Hermitage, Côte Rôtie, Cornas, and Crozes-Hermitage. You might consider it a bit of a rarity. Also, it is fairly rare to find a producer only making wines from Saint-Joseph. However, Coursodon is one such domaine.
This is the fifth generation to manage this domaine and what great wines they produce year after year. 16 hectares with 13.5 for their Syrah vines, and the remainder for the whites from the Rousanne and Marsanne varietals. Steep terraced slopes dominate the viticultural landscape with the stated intention to produce generous, powerful and elegant wines.
1 - Coursodon, Saint-Joseph Silice 2020
100% Syrah with a relatively low yield at 36hl/ha. Rich nose, with hints of black cherries, violets and blackberries. Engaging fruits at this early age of development, silky smooth. Touch of granite with a full-bodied style that is supple with finely balanced tannins matching ripe black fruits. Very approachable and will evolve over the next 4 years. Roast chicken or roast lamb would be ideal wine for a long Sunday lunch.
Montrachet Wine Merchants- £30.00
2 - Coursodon, Saint-Joseph La Sensonne 2020
Nose rich and toasty with flavours of plums, blackberry jam, and a smidgeon of vanilla. Palate is superb, but it needs another few years to show its true colour. Vibrancy and energy with a depth of concentration that is outstanding. Black cherries, black olives with an exquisite balance. One for the cellar until 2026 and then drink over the coming 5 to 7 years. It is a very well-crafted wine. Navarin of lamb with a good level of anchovies and seasonal vegetables during Spring in a few years time would work to perfection. This is a very confident wine that guests will enjoy.
Montrachet Wine Merchants- £49.00
3 - Coursodon, Saint-Joseph La Sensonne 2017
This is delicious and you can see how the 2020 will evolve. The 100% new oak really shines here giving the wine a vibrant lift alongside the maturing red plums and blackberries that linger on the nose and palate. Intoxicating might be too strong a word, but this is drinking well and will continue to be superlative for another 5 years. Layers of flavours abound on the tongue and a rich steak and kidney, venison stew, or a well-engineered cassoulet would work to perfection. Might decant it just before serving.
Montrachet Wine Merchants - £46.00
All available from Montrachet Wine Merchants - the consumer arm of Charles Taylor Wines - 020 7821 1337 - https://www.montrachetwine.com. The company is yet to embrace online ordering and only sell by the case.
Again, the Rhône demonstrates excellent value. Compare these prices to recent En Primeur offerings from Bordeaux and Burgundy, and you have wines that are delicious and ready to drink in the short-term.
