Domaine Jean-Louis Chave, Saint Joseph, Rhône, 2010

Tasting: Saint Joseph 2010

Dusty oaky nose that rather obscures the brooding dark fruits. Rich, dense, robust and chewy, with good concentration and a touch of austerity. A powerful wine that’s still tight and youthful. A bit chunky now, this has good length and will go the distance.

Tasting: Saint Joseph 2010

A touch oxidative, or oaky at any rate, this is a heady and slightly four-square example, its stentorian tannins holding such sway at the moment that the prospects of predicting development are tricky indeed, which often means that the development itself will be tricky.

Tasting: Saint Joseph 2010

Note of liquorice in the early bouquet – a restrained black fruting, not yet fully out and going, is grilled. The palate has a roll of prune, small blackberries fruit. It has a steady depth, and continues on a mix of fruit and firm tannin that will only cede gradually. From mid-2014, no hurry. Good St. Joseph with no pretension, just a bit tight and firm.