2020 Domaine Bernard Gripa Saint-Joseph Blanc Le Berceau

Domaine Bernard Gripa own sixteen hectares of vineyards, based primarily around Mauves in the heart of the Saint-Joseph appellation. While Bernard is still assisting at the winery, it is his son Fabrice that now directs the winemaking activities for the family. Fabrice and his team work the steep and challenging terrain of the vineyards, which unusually for the area are planted half to white grapes and half to red grapes. Much of the vineyard holdings are old vines averaging 65 years of age, with some vineyards over 80 years old. In addition to Saint-Joseph, the Gripa family also own 3.5 hectares of Marsanne and Roussanne in white-grape-only appellation of Saint-Péray.

Le Berceau is the top white from Domaine Bernard Gripa, and is a selection of 100% old vine Marsanne from one hectare of vines planted exclusively on granite soil terraces.

Other Reviews....
A little honeycomb oak on the nose, the palate is broad but not overly fat. There's a good sense of intensity and energy in the glass and this finishes long, with well-integrated oak. Classic Saint-Joseph in a fresh style, showing mouthwatering salinity. An exceptional wine. Hand-harvested old vine Marsanne grown on granite. Fermented in 228-litre oak barriques then left on fine lees until the malolactic is finished. 4,000 bottles made. Drink 2022 - 2026.
94 points
Matt Walls - Decanter

100% Marsanne.
Subtle and reserved but an intensity and depth of fine fruit. Palate poised and long with precision on the finish. Harmonious and the impression there’s more to give. Drink 2023-2030.
17/20 points
James Lawther MW - jancisrobinson.com