1995 Chapoutier Deschants Rouge Saint-Joseph

The wines from the Saint Joseph Appellation are made from Shiraz, and the area is located in the southern Rhone. The heart of the region is the old terraced vineyards around the town of Tournon, and includes the communes of Vion, Lemps, St. Jean de Muzols, Tournon, Maives and Glun. The soils here are granitic with sand and gravel underlays. The red wine of Saint Joseph is best consumed within three years of vintage, and locals regard the wine as the Rhone Valleys answer to Beaujolais.Deep crimson colour with mauve edges. The nose is appealing with its uplifted spice, confectionary raspberry and liquorice aromas. The palate is much simpler in construction than the nose suggests with inky berry flavours and just a hint of pencil shavings in the background. Good length, but without complexity. Firmish tannins, in balance, with raspberry liquorice aftertaste. Enjoy over the next couple of years.