St.-Joseph: Fall’s essence

I’m not one to restrict wines to certain seasons, said Eric Asimov in The New York Times. But something about fall causes a “vulnerable portion of my brain” to “pant for St.-Joseph.” Made exclusively with syrah grapes grown in the northern Rhône Valley, St.-Joseph reds are “mouthwatering” wines that “go beautifully” with grilled meats like lamb or venison.

2007 Domaine du Tunnel ($32). This savory wine captures the essence of St.-Joseph, and its “fine structure” means it will taste great now and 10 years from now.

2009 Domaine Vincent Paris ($32). A wine with “a great sense of place.” It’s rich in the flavors of “violets, olives, spices, and oak.”

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up

2008 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave ($70). My “ideal St.-Joseph,” a rich blend of “mineral, olive, and smoky, meaty flavors.”