Saint-Joseph 2022 Cyril Courvoisier | Rhône

Cyril Courvoisier ’s Saint-Joseph is made from a blend of grapes grown on two small plots in the town of Mauves, one of the appellation’s historic birthplaces, where the granite soils give the Syrah its most refined and floral character. The winemaking process is identical to that used for the wine estate’s Cornas wines, featuring whole-bunch harvesting, fermentation with native yeasts, and ageing in used barrels for about ten months. All of the wine estate’s vineyards are certified organic, with surface-level soil cultivation, preserved hedgerows, and dry-stone walls rebuilt by hand to preserve biodiversity.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: Cyril Courvoisier’s Saint-Joseph is a Syrah that naturally captivates. The aromas are remarkably precise and immediately recognizable, with that vegetal character unique to the wine estate that defines each cuvée.

The nose opens with notes of raspberry, morello cherry, blackcurrant, and blackcurrant buds, with a slightly vegetal character. The nose, precise and direct, is disarmingly candid. Floral notes round out the profile with a character that is both fruity and delicate—the signature of Mauves’ Syrah at its purest.

On the palate, balance and freshness define this wine. The floral, blackcurrant, and black tea notes already detected on the nose reappear, complemented by a hint of chocolate. The tannins are firm, and the finish is fresh and lingering.