France — wine

Saint-Joseph AOC

Saint-Joseph stretches 60km along the Northern Rhône's right bank, producing both Syrah reds and Marsanne/Roussanne whites. The appellation is enormously variable — from everyday Rhône to serious granite-terroir wines rivaling Hermitage at a fraction of the cost. Key producers like Gonon and Coursodon produce benchmark wines from old-vine Syrah on the best granite sites.

Year Rating Notes
2024 Northern Rhône conditions excellent; granite Syrah showing violet and iron mineral.
2023 Benchmark Saint-Joseph vintage; Gonon rouge will be exceptional.
2022 Superb year across the appellation
2021 Fresh, vibrant wines with good structure
2020 Outstanding granite-terroir expressions
2019 Classic Saint-Joseph; accessible and aromatic
2018 Warm vintage; earlier drinking style