Domaine Vallet 2004 St. Joseph

[winoweenie]

Had this tasty morsel last nite as the last wine before going on a much needed sabbatical. My first Joseph but not my last. Nice medium ruby color. Nose showed the rhone barny, red and black fruits, spice, and a tad of garriuste(sp?). Nice solid 3&3/4 lapper finish. Still needs 3-6 to mature. Enjoyable bottle and a fine food friendly drink. 89/93 22 at Vintage 13% alc. WW

[Drew]

That's a good price, Verne. I drink St. Joseph reds when I can find them but they're scant around here. They're made for early consumption and generally peak by 5 years so I don't know ifn it'll git any better with more whiskers.

Drew

[winoweenie]

Thanks fer the info Herr I. Seems that maybe what I perceived to be some lingering tannins could have been my fantacising. Good enough that I'll definately put them remaining dudes on the to-do-list whenced I get off this sabbatical. WW

[wondersofwine]

Drew, my (admittedly very limited) experience with St. Joseph has been the opposite of yours. I usually find them too tannic young and would hold off until they are maybe 7 or 8 years old and then hope that doesn't find them closed down.

[Innkeeper]

Our limited experience from long ago is more along with WOW's.

[Drew]

Could be the producers I had were "entry level"? I'll source my notes and get back to you. The St. Joseph DOC also describes their wines as early drinkers and most notable, "drink waiting for Hermitage to mature".

Drew

[wondersofwine]

Yes but Hermitage might be a 20-year proposition.