Syrah from the Northern Rhône Valley is among some of my favorite wines to drink. During the cold weather when braised foods, sausages, and game are often on the fare of choice, Syrah from appellations such as Saint Joseph, Cornas, and Crozes-Hermitage (and Côte Rotie and Hermitage for those who want to indulge) make a perfect match.
While located in Cornas, Domaine Vincent Paris also makes a fantastic Saint Joseph. The domaine is an organic-biodynamic winery and Vincent (the winemaker) is the nephew of famed Rhône vintner Robert Michel. This Saint Joseph is a pure expression of Syrah, sourced from 10 - 20 year old vineyards on granitic soils in the village of Ardoix in the central part of the Saint Joseph appellation. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and is aged for 12 months in used oak barrels. The wine has brooding aromatics that benefits some time in glass; but, delivers the tart dark fruit, black pepper, spice, violets, and gamey notes that make this it fantastically enjoyable to drink.
While located in Cornas, Domaine Vincent Paris also makes a fantastic Saint Joseph. The domaine is an organic-biodynamic winery and Vincent (the winemaker) is the nephew of famed Rhône vintner Robert Michel. This Saint Joseph is a pure expression of Syrah, sourced from 10 - 20 year old vineyards on granitic soils in the village of Ardoix in the central part of the Saint Joseph appellation. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and is aged for 12 months in used oak barrels. The wine has brooding aromatics that benefits some time in glass; but, delivers the tart dark fruit, black pepper, spice, violets, and gamey notes that make this it fantastically enjoyable to drink.