Tuesday, December 28, 2010

J. Chave St. Joseph Offerus, 1999

Chave produces this St. Joseph from purchased grapes rather than his own vineyards, and the price (under $20) was within my reach when this 1999 was released.

The color has turned a bit but is still deep and dark. And the smells and flavors are at a pleasant stage of maturity. This is typical Northern Rhone Syrah--dark berries, herbs and cassis--with typical St. Joseph supple charm. Eventually, though, significant brett barnyard aromas begin to dominate. These are all part of the charm of the wine, but they might turn some drinkers away.

No comments:

Post a Comment