E. Guigal Saint Joseph 2003

Here is something different - as Iron Chef says, we don't get a lot of North Rhone here (but we did review a Crozes-Hermitage last winter) and because it's a departure from our recent run of value-priced whites.

--- Iron Chef's Review ---

There are so few Northern Rhone wines in NB, I was waiting to try this one, and Father’s day was the excuse. WS rates 2003 as a 94 pt Vintage for Northern Rhone.

Taste: Spicy- aromas of raw pepper steak. Warm toasty wood. Nutmeg and Cinnamon. Blueberry and currant fruit jam. Smokey. Smelled a bit like an Aussie Shiraz, Reynella-like. Full Nose- highly complex.
Taste: Blueberry preserves, Sandalwood, Bold/Chalky Tannins, Menthol. Rounding out with Earth & Tar and a neat Dark Chocolate finish that lingered forever.

Overall a Great wine that reminded me of an Aussie Shiraz that was more muted and nuanced with structure and refinement. No candied wine here- tar and earth.

Price: $38.99
Score: 94 (WS 88, RP 90-92)
Value: For Northern Rhone 4.5/5
Region: France, Northern Rhone
Grape: Syrah
Alcohol 12.5%
UPC #3536650901000