2019 Jean-Luc Colombo Les Lauves

ST JOSEPH

91

From one of the appellation’s most respected producers comes this fully dense syrah with a big heart and big flavour. Alive with a woody herb fragrance and on the palate, luscious blackberries with a hint of coffee. It has such a great structure to put plenty of ageing years on the clock.

13.5% alc. RRP 60, drink by 2027 2019 Hervé Souhaut Clos des Cessieux

ST JOSEPH

92

Organic old vine syrah and made in miniscule quantities, this was aged on lees in barrel. A complex yet mellower syrah than you typically see from this appellation although it’s bright in herbal aromatics, with a delicacy to the fruit albeit long-lived on the finish. Unfiltered and unfined.

12.5% alc. RRP 120, drink by 2030 2015 Pierre Gaillard Clos de Cuminaille

ST JOSEPH

91

Gaillard’s flagship wine is full of toasty fruit. Supple and suave with nicely balanced tannins and a ripeness of oak to the flavour thanks to 18 months in new barrels. Deeply flavoured with black fruit, cracked black pepper and a decent length to boot.

13% alc. RRP 85, drink by 2028

2019 Domaine Equis Equinoxe

CROZES HERMITAGE

92

An excellent early-drinking syrah from serious pedigree; Maxime Graillot is the daughter of Alain. This is an urgently fruity Crozes, bursting with black fruit that’s tinged with earthy savoury notes and pleasantly supple tannins, light enough to make this a good contender for being served chilled.

14% alc. RRP 46, drink by 2024