M. CHAPOUTIER Saint-Joseph 'Le Clos Rouge' - Rhone Valley 2021 Bottle BIO/ORG

Description

IN BRIEF
The 2021 M. Chapoutier Saint-Joseph Le Clos is a distinguished wine, celebrated as one of the finest from the Saint-Joseph appellation. This Syrah, crafted from a 0.98-hectare vineyard on coarse black mica granite soil, offers exceptional depth and character. The vintage opens with a bouquet of dark fruit aromas, featuring blackberries and plums, complemented by minerality and subtle graphite notes. On the palate, it presents a rich, full-bodied experience with fine, silky tannins and flavours of dark berries alongside hints of bramble leaves. The long, lingering finish leaves mouth-watering impressions. Rated 95 points by James Suckling and 92-94 points by The Wine Advocate, it exemplifies excellence and pairs beautifully with grilled meats and refined cheeses.

ABOUT THIS WINE
The 2021 M. Chapoutier Saint-Joseph Le Clos is a distinguished wine, renowned as one of the top offerings from the Saint-Joseph appellation. Crafted from a small 0.98-hectare vineyard of Syrah, this exceptional wine benefits from the unique terroir of coarse black mica granite soil, which imparts depth and character to the grapes.

This vintage opens with an enticing bouquet rich in dark fruit aromas, showcasing blackberries and plums, balanced by a layer of beautiful minerality that is a hallmark of the region. The nose is further enhanced by subtle notes of graphite, adding complexity and intrigue to the aromatic profile.

On the palate, the 2021 Le Clos exhibits a lovely plumpness, offering a rich and full-bodied experience. The wine is characterised by its fine, silky tannins, which create a luxurious mouthfeel and contribute to its overall finesse. Flavours of dark berries intertwine with hints of bramble leaves, providing a vibrant and refreshing quality.

The finish is long and lingering, leaving a satisfying impression with mouth-watering notes that invite further exploration. The combination of fruit, minerality, and elegance marks this wine as a true representation of what defines a great fine wine.

M. Chapoutier’s commitment to biodynamic practices and meticulous vineyard management ensures that each bottle of Saint-Joseph Le Clos captures the unique essence of its terroir. This wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, hearty casseroles, and refined cheeses, making it a versatile choice for both casual and formal dining.

The 2021 M. Chapoutier Saint-Joseph Le Clos is a remarkable expression of the Syrah grape, showcasing the depth and character of the Saint-Joseph region while exemplifying Michel Chapoutier’s dedication to crafting exceptional wines that resonate with both quality and authenticity.

JAMES SUCKLING 95 points
A superb Saint-Joseph, focused, vibrant and pure. It expresses notes of wild berries, dried flowers, raw chocolate, peppercorns, crushed stones and hints of roasted meat. It is medium-bodied with finely grained tannins. There is plenty of energy and drive, with bright acidity. The vertical dimension in this wine is obvious, with a dense and comforting core of berries and a mineral-driven, laser-focused finish with length. Drink or hold.

THE WINE ADVOCATE (92-94) points
Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski
Drink Date: 2024 - 2035
The 2021 Saint-Joseph Le Clos comes from an east-facing parcel Michel purchased in the early 1990s at the urging of his grandfather, who told him it produced the finest wine of the appellation before World War II. Planted in the late 1990s, it has yielded a 2021 redolent with scents of menthol, cedar and mixed red and black cherries. Only medium-bodied, it seems less expansive on the palate than the les Granites bottling, but perhaps it's a bit more structured and firmer yet still silky and harmonious.

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ABOUT M. CHAPOUTIER
M. Chapoutier is a prestigious wine producer located in the Rhône Valley of France, renowned for its unwavering commitment to exceptional quality and biodynamic viticulture. Established in the late 19th century, the estate has developed a strong reputation for producing wines that embody the unique terroir of the region. Under the stewardship of Michel Chapoutier, who took over the family business in the 1990s, the winery has garnered international acclaim for both its traditional and innovative approaches to winemaking.

M. Chapoutier is especially renowned for its outstanding Hermitage wines, crafted from Syrah grapes cultivated on steep hillside vineyards. The winery embraces sustainable practices, incorporating biodynamic farming methods that enhance the natural ecosystem and support the health of the vines. This dedication to organic methods has distinguished M. Chapoutier from many other producers and resonates with environmentally-conscious consumers.

The estate offers a diverse range of wines, including red, white, and sweet varieties, often focusing on single varietals that highlight the characteristics of their respective terroirs. Importantly, the winery is celebrated for its exceptional Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côte Rôtie wines, which have received significant accolades and recognition within the wine community.

M. Chapoutier's commitment to excellence is reflected in its numerous awards and high ratings from critics. The label is also famous for its braille-embossed bottles, underscoring the producer's dedication to inclusivity and accessibility. With a rich history and a forward-thinking approach, M. Chapoutier continues to be a leading figure in the wine industry, promising exceptional experiences in every bottle.