Saint Joseph from a classic year

Not just a biblical figure or a name for baby aspirin, Saint Joseph the French Rhône appellation stretching out from the hills of Hermitage in the Northern Rhone. Saint Joseph is a relatively new appellation that was founded in 1956 extending from Condrieu in the north to Valence in the south, comprising some 2500 acres. Approximately 90% of the production is red wine produced exclusively from the Syrah grape. The 10% which is white is produced from Marsanne and occasionally Roussanne grapes.

The wines of St Joseph tend to be faster maturing than their northern Rhône neighbors, the soils are similiar where on the best sites granite predominates, the difference lies in St-Joseph’s east-facing vineyards losing the sun up to two hours earlier during the later stages of ripening. Red Saint Joseph can be a delightful expression of Syrah fruit, one that has all of the flavors of a classic Syrah wines from the Rhone and is one of the most approachable northern Rhône reds to taste young.

In 2005, both the Northern Rhône enjoyed a superb harvest. The region's top domaines produced cellar-worthy reds and ripe, concentrated whites. 2005 is also the most consistent vintage the Rhône has seen since 1990, with all the major appellations and grape varieties performing well. Many producers with less prestigious pedigrees made their best wines in recent history, highlighting the excellence of the 2005 vintage. From top to bottom, 2005 is a vintage for seasoned Rhône lovers to stock up on. They are definitely great wines, but the best will need some cellaring.

Due to increasing demand worldwide for the wines of the Rhône and the lowly status of our dollar, these wines are generally becoming less of a value yet we own a few at good prices. In 2005, the Northern Rhône is at the top of its game, producing dense, structured Syrahs. The vintage is a welcome return to form following the generally leaner, crisper profile of the 2004s, though the previous vintage did produce some excellent reds and gorgeous whites. The 2005 reds display layers of black currant, fig and raspberry fruit to go along with the dark olive, leather and game notes that are pulled from their unique vineyard sites. The 2005 Northern Rhône's white wines display an abundance of distinctively exotic flavors and ripe textures. The '05 whites may not be as flashy as the aromatic and seductive '04s were, but instead offer one a more compact and reserved profile that is indicative of the vintage.

Wine Warehouse currently is featuring the 2005’s of Philippe Faury. Faury’s Saint Joseph wines are classically styled and offer a mouthful of flavor for the money.

In the town of Chavanay, Philippe Faury took over his family’s business in 1979. At the time Faury’s domaine was comprised of only 6 acres of vineyard. Phillipe has been able to grow the property to 27 acres. The new vineyards were planted in rugged terrain where the vines are difficult to cultivate.

Faury Saint Joseph red is produced from 100% Syrah grapes grown on vines that are between 5-50 years of age that are grown on granitic soils. Spicy raspberry and pepper aromas lead one to earthy, refined black cherry, leather, orange peel and vanilla on the palate. This is a shining example of Northern Rhône Syrah from a spectacular vintage.

Phillipe Faury Saint Joseph Rouge 2005, Retail $29.99 Warehouse $24.99

Faury Saint Joseph white is produced from 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne grapes whose vines are between 5-15 years of age grown on granite based soils. Beautiful pear, lanolin and vanillin aromas jump from the glass, the palate has a seductive minerally and oily texture that leads to flavors of pear, honeysuckle and a well balanced toasty oak finish.

Philippe Faury Saint Joseph Blanc 2005, Retail $29.99 Warehouse $24.99