Cave Saint Desirat 2019 Collines Rhodaniennes IGP 13%

Situated in the beautiful sweeping landscape of the northern Rhône and its steep granite hillsides lies Cave de Saint Désirat just south of St Joseph. The cellar was founded in 1960 and today works with 350 growers to produce a delectable range of Saint Josephs, as well vins de pays from just beyond the appellation boundary. It shares the continental climate of the Northern Rhône and tempered by the same prevailing wind, the Mistral famous for cooling and drying the grapes of Côte Rotie and Hermitage. It offers up a patchwork of brilliant terroirs that producers are only now really starting to exploit fully. However with 67% of vines planted with Syrah there is a clear nod to the style and character of the Northern Rhône and it is a treasure trove for those looking for great value reds. And that is something Cave Saint Desirat does in spades. The vineyards sit just a stone’s throw from St Joseph on steep granite hillsides and is made from 100% old vine Syrah.

2019 was a top vintage in the Northern Rhône and this wine really reflects this with a heady perfume of violets, jasmine and winter spice, backed by black cherry and cassis. The palate is a lush affair, with silky tannins and a rich, rounded mouthfeel. There is a delicious concentration of black and red berry notes abetted by hints of liquorice, star anise and fennel, and a wild herbaceous character running through. This is cracking Syrah that evokes the famous names of the Northern Rhône without breaking the bank. Will drink for 3-4 years or more and is perfect with grilled meats, game and hearty roasts, all for a little over a tenner!