M. Chapoutier Saint Joseph "Les Granits" Blanc 2020
(Northern Rhone, France) - [JD 97] [WS 94] [DM 94] [WA 93]

About the Winery:
The name Chapoutier occupies a storied place in the history of the Rhône Valley, beginning 1808, when the family first settled in the Rhône Valley. Throughout the 19^th century and well into the next, M. CHAPOUTIER and its eponymous winery grew steadily, producing wine from esteemed vineyard sites such as Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. However, 1990 was a watershed moment for the winery, with the arrival of Michel Chapoutier. Under his leadership, the maverick winemaker established bold initiatives. For example, the introduction of Single Vineyard Selection that express the unique terroir of a site, or wine labels embossed in braille for the visually impaired. In each instance, Michel’s decisions were, and continue to be, driven by a deep respect for the soil, climate, and his fellow human beings.

About this Wine:
Grapes are hand-harvested at maturity. After pressing, the must is cold-settling for around 24 hours. Approximately 50% is vinified in big wooden barrels (600 liters) with regular stirrings of the lees, the rest is in vats. Maturing on lees with regular stirrings for 6 months. Before bottling, the ageing in casks is checked by frequent tastings. The maturing lasts between 10 and 12 months.

100% Marsanne

13.5% ABBV

Tasting Notes:
Golden yellow. The nose is mineral with floral overtones of honeysuckle and lily in its youth, Tabasco, wax, honey. The palate is well-balanced. A very harmonious wine with a subtle final of spices developing into honey with ageing. According to the vintage, the wine can be kept from 30 to 60 years, indeed from 50 to 75 years.

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Quite possibly the finest white in the appellation, the 2020 Saint Joseph Les Granits Blanc is all Marsanne from what I would consider the best terroir in the appellation, the south-facing slopes of the Saint Joseph lieu-dit just south of Tournon. White currants, honeyed peach, celery seed, spice, and a wonderful sense of minerality define the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied, pure, seamless, and just a heavenly white you could easily put in a lineup of Hermitage Blanc. Drink bottles any time over the coming 10-15 years." (Feb 2022)

94 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A decadent, big-boned white, with mineral intensity to match its weight, this is gorgeous. Shows white tea tannins that stitch together generous apricot, yellow apple and persimmon flavors. Reveals a tug of warm earth on the long, impressive finish, which is marked by bitter almond elements. This will age well in the cellar, too. Drink now through 2030. 18 cases imported." – Kristen Bieler (Mar 2024)

94 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"A relatively brisk and fresh style of Les Granits this year, with an upright mineral spine. The acidity is spot-on, giving the wine edge and length. Oak is well-judged and doesn't occlude the fruit. A little less fat and ripeness than some recent years, but it has a good sense of intensity if not generosity - you really feel the granite in the granular, slightly serrated mouthfeel. A return to a more classic, measured style." – Matt Walls (Oct 2021)

93 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2020 Saint-Joseph Les Granits Blanc is again one of the top white wines from the appellation. Sourced from the lieu-dit Saint-Joseph, it's barrel fermented and aged, yet the oak is understated. The wine offers up hints of toasted grain, pear, melon and citrus on the nose, then delivers a palate that's medium to full-bodied, plump and round, balanced, focused and long. Treat it like a baby Hermitage and drink it young, or put it aside for a decade or more." – Joe Czerwinski (Jan 2022)