TN: 2017 Domaine Rousset Saint-Joseph - Excellent QPR

WINE TALK
1

As the Gonon Les Iles Feray becomes harder and harder to source, as does Clape’s Vin des Amis, Domaine Rousset St Joseph at $25 is a killer substitute for an affordable Northern Rhône Syrah. The Crozes Hermitage Les Picaudieres is damn fine as well. Check these out. Chambers has the St Joe in stock, and Martin and Panzer carry the wines as well. Pretty classic wines, archetype expressions with black olives, brine and seared meats. And exceptionally well-priced for weekday drinking sans guilt!

Oh, and the vineyards are neighbors of Gonon.

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PS. In a blind taste, my wife preferred the Rousset while I gave the edge to Gonon. I’m 92 points on the Gonon and 90 on the Rousset. Very happy to have grabbed a case, as I did for the 2015 vintage.

2

Grabbed a bottle from Panzer after seeing your note. Whole heartedly agree - what a steal. Although for my palate, still worth paying up just a touch for the Graillot Crozes-Hermitage (the 2016 is particularly absurd value for how good it is).

3

My secret is Domaine de la Côte Sainte-Epine St. Joseph Vieilles Vignes from sneaker guy.

4

Is the 2017 a generally ripe vintage in the northern Rhone. I greatly enjoyed the 2016 Graillot St. Joseph (much more than the riper, simpler, fruitier Crozes-Hermitage of the same year)–nicely layered, soil-driven wine. But the 2017 just finished last night seemed much riper and more alcoholic–I am pretty sure I would have guessed Central Coast California if I tasted this blind. I struggled to finish…