Jaboulet Saint Joseph Croix Des Vignes 2022

The Croix des Vignes takes its name from the cross that crowns Jaboulet's highest Saint-Joseph vineyard, between Tournon and Mauves in the northern Rhône, land once held by the Jesuits. Winemaker Caroline Frey farms it biodynamically and makes the wine from pure Syrah, the single red grape of the appellation. Saint-Joseph runs along the right bank of the Rhône on steep terraces of decomposed granite, a free-draining soil that warms quickly and pushes the vines to ripen fully while the altitude and cool nights keep the fruit fresh and the acidity firm. Syrah here gives concentrated dark fruit, the peppery lift that comes from rotundone in the skins, and a stony, mineral depth drawn from the granite. Around nine months in oak rounds the tannins through slow oxygen exchange and adds smoke, liquorice and a leathery edge. The wine is deep and dark, with a nose of plum, black raspberry and cracked pepper, a palate that is full and savoury with olive and liquorice, and a long mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted. It suits grilled red meat, lamb and game.