Pierre Gonon
Saint-Joseph Syrah
St. Joseph, Northern Rhône, Rhône, France
Brilliant, supple, olivey and open.
Brilliant, supple, olivey and open.
Dec 2nd, 2024
First time trying the 18. A stunner as expected.
First time trying the 18. A stunner as expected.
Nov 18th, 2022
Black raspberry, creme de cassis, creme de violet, hot iron, ink, dried beef, woodsmoke, laurel, pine forest, ash, pastille, blood, granite. Thick, dense with tannins that show the heat of the growing season. Remarkably balanced and even keeled given the warmth, not losing the savory and meaty nature Gonon always carries. The granite is biting and persistent throughout the palate, balancing all that chewy fruit.
Black raspberry, creme de cassis, creme de violet, hot iron, ink, dried beef, woodsmoke, laurel, pine forest, ash, pastille, blood, granite. Thick, dense with tannins that show the heat of the growing season. Remarkably balanced and even keeled given the warmth, not losing the savory and meaty nature Gonon always carries. The granite is biting and persistent throughout the palate, balancing all that chewy fruit.
Apr 25th, 2021
Leave this wine alone for a few years at least
Leave this wine alone for a few years at least
Nov 18th, 2020
Saint-Joseph V.2018
Northern Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷
Overview
Made entirely from 100% Syrah, this wine hails from one of the most celebrated AOCs of the Northern Rhône. The 2018 vintage was a powerful, structured year, known for ripe fruit and depth, making it one of the standout recent harvests in the appellation.
Aromas & Flavors
Nose: blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, and spices (notably black pepper, nutmeg) with floral hints of honeysuckle.
Palate: savory notes of smoked meats, olives, herbs, licorice, chocolate, and a touch of oak, layered beautifully with rich black fruit.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, meaty, and concentrated with ripe tannins, round structure, and long finish. Balanced acidity ensures freshness while delivering intensity and elegance.
Winemaking & Style
Traditional Rhône winemaking highlights the terroir’s granite soils and classic Syrah character. The 2018 vintage is built for longevity, with the richness of fruit and structure to age gracefully for another decade.
Food Pairing
Ideal with duck confit, braised short ribs, lamb shank, venison stew, or wild mushroom risotto. Pairs just as well with aged cheeses like Comté or Manchego.
Verdict
A textbook Saint-Joseph: bold yet elegant, savory yet fruity, with the hallmark spice and depth that defines Northern Rhône Syrah. Aging potential of 10+ years, but already showing incredible balance and drinkability now.
Saint-Joseph V.2018
Northern Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷
Overview
Made entirely from 100% Syrah, this wine hails from one of the most celebrated AOCs of the Northern Rhône. The 2018 vintage was a powerful, structured year, known for ripe fruit and depth, making it one of the standout recent harvests in the appellation.
Aromas & Flavors
Nose: blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, and spices (notably black pepper, nutmeg) with floral hints of honeysuckle.
Palate: savory notes of smoked meats, olives, herbs, licorice, chocolate, and a touch of oak, layered beautifully with rich black fruit.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, meaty, and concentrated with ripe tannins, round structure, and long finish. Balanced acidity ensures freshness while delivering intensity and elegance.
Winemaking & Style
Traditional Rhône winemaking highlights the terroir’s granite soils and classic Syrah character. The 2018 vintage is built for longevity, with the richness of fruit and structure to age gracefully for another decade.
Food Pairing
Ideal with duck confit, braised short ribs, lamb shank, venison stew, or wild mushroom risotto. Pairs just as well with aged cheeses like Comté or Manchego.
Verdict
A textbook Saint-Joseph: bold yet elegant, savory yet fruity, with the hallmark spice and depth that defines Northern Rhône Syrah. Aging potential of 10+ years, but already showing incredible balance and drinkability now.
Exuberance and refinement...olives, violettes and red fruit....
Exuberance and refinement...olives, violettes and red fruit....
Oct 23rd, 2020
