The Wines
The wines > Hermitage > M. CHAPOUTIER > Saint-Joseph Les Granits red
1930s and 1950s Syrah on granite-based St-Joseph site, malo in oak, aged 25% new, 75% 1-2 year old 228-litre oak casks 18 months, then 3 months concrete vats, (until 2006 was 14-18 months 33% each new, 1 and 2-year oak), unfined, filtered, 4-7,000 b
2008 
()
(cask sample, London) a little brightness in the red colour – this red is more upfront than the Crozes Varonniers colour from the dusty granite across across the river. The nose is also a shade softer than the Crozes – this is a south facing slope, whereas the Crozes is windswept and more westerly. There is a red fruit air with a hint of jam about it, fruit that has been lightly mulled. The palate has an early red fruit dance –it is gourmand in a low register, rounded, before it quietens down. It is rather solid, also a bit local peasant on the palate – there is no tickle of nuance here. Some late reduction is evident. From 2011. 2019-21 April 2009
2007
(casks) quite a dark red cherry colour; it is still under the influence of its cask raising – meaning toffee/raisin: the substance below will emerge in around 2011-12. The palate is interesting – it weaves black fruits with tannin that is live, but ripe. There is a good “sweet n`sour” mix of contributors, and promises well. Authentic wine of good length, one that has a real steady finale, is sympa. Has good grip and real clear fruit. 2023-25 Dec 2008
2006 ()
purple top above the red robe. Has a snappy, lateral run of aroma – it shows licorice, wild “dark fruits”, that come with a minty, crème de menthe aspect. The palate has a grainy raisin-intense black jam flavour, and a run of mild late richness. It isn`t really together on the second half of the palate, isn`t fused. It lacks focus now, but can run on. From late 2010. 14°. Bottled June 2008. 2021-23 Dec 2008 Previously Jan 2008 **** (casks) very full, dark robe. Masculine, oaked nose that is very filled, wide – shows black fruit and black pepper - and thorough; even has olive hints, evokes the south. The palate is a close-knit cassis fruit affair that is dense, and has some core sweetness. The tannins are softer than the 2005`s. Good Syrah juice here, a wine that promises to integrate well. Length is good. Esp 2011 on. 2021-23 Jan 2008 Previously June 2007 (casks) ***(*) quite dark with some black in the robe; has a very primary aroma – chocolate, mocha, oak – but is round in shape under all that early hit. The outer palate is oaked and stiff, but the inner is rich. Gives a chocolate effect from its oak. The length is correct. Is not a big charged wine, delivers down the line, so needs time to fuse, I reckon. From 2011-12. 2025-27 June 2007
2005
full, dark robe; has a meaty, bounteous nose – blackberry, black cherry at the helm, with good, comfortable intensity. Holds very bonny, clear-toned fruit – has poise and class, this. The length is good, and it works both on depth and finesse – a veritable combo of quality. A rich core, and excellent late width. Is still on its tannins in the second stage of the palate. Good, mineral clear finish. Good stuff. From spring 2010. 2022-26 Jan 2008
2004 ()
pretty dark red colour. Quiet harmony in a red fruits aroma, sprinkling of leather and smoke. Clean red fruit on palate, with a late tannic burst - a major oak invasion - wow! Needs till mid-2008 or 2009 to settle. Certainly contains some attractive core red fruit, mixed with white pepper - a restraint from the granite. Tarry finale thanks to oak. 2015-17 April 2006 Previously Dec 2005 (casks) ***(*) oaked, rather gamey aroma, with black fruit, cocoa and olive. Violet and black fruits here, gets off to a clean, clear start. Tightens and reduces - gives a granite, pepper statement. From 2009. 2019-22
2003
(cask) tight-knit bouquet, plenty for the future, a cool side from the granite; balanced, measured black fruit, stylish and can vary. Good pedigree, has nuance. Grilled finale (oak). 2008 on. 2019/22
2002
minted, tar, black fruit/oak nose; chocolate style flavour, brewed fruits, assertive content. Grilled side from the oak, but has rich core. Structured wine, more settled around 2006-07. To 2016-18 Previously (cask) *** wild, deep reduced nose; quite dense wild berries, but stretched. Oily, tarry. Will be gamey. From 2007. 2012-14
2001
fungal, spiced red fruits, potential on nose; chewy, tight black fruit/licorice. Dry end. Lot of scale, from 2007. 2018-20
2000
tarry, cooked black fruit bouquet. Juicy core, joli. Quite tannic, chewy with licorice on end. Big wine. From 2006. To 2011-13
1999
chocolate, powerful, ripe fruit aroma; pebbly black stone fruit, clear-cut. Fair length, licorice/dry oak end. 2012-14
1998
very good black, oily/smoky pine aroma; funky palate - fruit sap with smoked/mineral touches. Oily tannins reappear on finish. Great combo of textures and flavours. Esp to 2010, can live beyond to 2016-17 May 2003 Previously May 2001 ** oily, leather, black fruit, potent, alcohol, pine nose; pure-toned cassis on palate, with a wood invasion. Reserved, stubborn. 1999 handles the oak better. To 2010-13
1997
marked wild fruit nose, springy. Straight, stylish, finesse, very clean, nice bone. 2002-03 on. To 2009-11
1996
very dark, prompted by a 6-week skin contact; cassis and mineral on bouquet; nice length, round, good persistence, decent balance, plenty of life. 2009-12