Natacha Chave, Aleofane, Saint Joseph, Rhône, 2010

Tasting: Saint Joseph 2010

Muted blackberry nose. Rich, full-bodied, concentrated, and spicy, with enough acidity to give it some pep. The tannins are fine-grained, giving the wine an overall stylishness, and the finish is fresh. Quite elegant if far from profound. Fairly long.

Tasting: Saint Joseph 2010

Youthful colour, exuberant with a purple rim and Stygian core. An attractive nose of laurel, red currant and bay leaf leads to a pleasing palate dominated by summer pudding fruit and fresh vibrant acidity. From the lighter end of the scale, this is extremely attractive early-drinking example.

Tasting: Saint Joseph 2010

The nose is lying in wait, is pretty full, but not yet open and out. There is a potentially deep wodge of black fruit at its heart, a hint of mint. The palate is alsothickly made-up, with a prune, plum fruit flavour at its centre. A ‘large’ St. Joseph with plenty about it. It will be more expressive from mid-2014. Wine for la table – roast meats etc