Domaine François Merlin
2011 Saint-Joseph
This is a robust Saint Joseph, strong and firm, particularly when compared to Pichon’s Saint Joseph. We advise giving it a little time in the cellar before drinking.
Blood, roasted meat, tapenade, black truffles, coffee grounds, pepper and other savory spices, boysenberry and other dark fruits, and something earthy combine to create a complex, evolving nose. Full-bodied, with slightly jammy blueberry and other dark fruit flavors, this wine coats the mouth with violets, pungent spice, and gamey, meaty flavors. Massive structure with a lengthy, fruity finish that builds in intensity then recedes, leaving concentrated blue and black fruit flavors lingering. A baby, but already stunning! A wine possibly at peak in 2019. Calls out for wild boar or other game.
Food pairing: Game or wild boar
An easy-drinking, cool climate Syrah with tangy raspberry notes and good balance. Slight charcoal aromas on the nose, but raspberry is the key player. A nice wine to have on hand to serve with grilled lamb or other meat.
Food pairing: Lamb kebobs
The Creator of This Wine
Domaine François Merlin
Heir not to a winemaker but to a chemical engineer, François Merlin studied agriculture and learned the work of the vines in the vineyards of René Rostaing. He planted his first vineyard -- in Condrieu -- in 1987, started making his own wines in 1999, and quickly became one of the “top names” in Condrieu (according to Rhône expert Livingstone-Learmonth). His son Laurent joined him in 2013.
| Producer: | Domaine François Merlin |
| Region: | Rhone |
| Year: | 2011 |
| Maturity: | 2015-2020 |
| Alcohol: | 12.5% |
| Bottle size: | 750ml |
| Color: | Red |
| Varietal: | Syrah |
| Flavors: | Dark fruit, Spice, Earth |
| Body: | Medium-Full |
| Soul: | Fruit |
