Chapoutier is one of the oldest wine producers in the Rhone Valley with a history dating back to 1808. A distant ancestor, Polydor Chapoutier, was the first to buy vines here, shifting from being a simple grape grower to making and trading his own wine. For the last two hundred years, the estate has been producing some of the greatest wines in the Rhone Valley. Today, the range also includes wines from some Roussillon appellations as well as projects in Portugal and Australia.

Under Michel Chapoutier’s leadership, quality improved and Chapoutier gained international recognition. The massive negociant and winery produces single-vineyard expressions and classic wines from a range of appellations in the north and south of the valley.

They have adopted biodynamic farming techniques and have included Braille markings on their labels since 1996. This was done from a desire to reach out to and include lovers of good wines with sight-impairments, and as a tribute to Maurice Monier of La Sizeranne, a member of the family that previously owned the vines of the same name and who invented the first abbreviated version of Braille.

Chapoutier Les Granits is made from a selection of the estate’s oldest Syrah trunks in the birthplace of the Saint Joseph appellation. The wine’s color is a very deep garnet red. On the nose and mouth are smoky and peppered aromas of black fruit jam with mineral overtones. Tannins are tight with a long persistency in mouth. Depending on the vintage, this wine can be kept from 30 to 60 years or from 50 to 75 years.

The 2015 Chapoutier St Joseph les Granits is a remarkable red wine that showcases the true essence of the Northern Rhone region in France. Crafted from the finest Syrah grapes, this wine offers a profound and complex flavor profile that is sure to captivate even the most discerning palates.

In the glass, this wine exhibits a deep, vivid ruby color that is both enticing and elegant. The aromas that waft from the glass are intense and alluring, with notes of black raspberry, cherry cola, and violet taking center stage. As the wine opens up, hints of licorice, mocha, and exotic Indian spices emerge, adding depth and complexity to the bouquet.

On the palate, the 2015 Chapoutier St Joseph les Granits is lively and incisive, showcasing sweet, mineral-laced red and dark berry flavors that are beautifully intertwined with nuances of spicecake. The texture is rich and creamy, enveloping the palate with its velvety smoothness. As the wine evolves, it reveals plentiful, powerful tannins that provide structure and balance, ensuring a long and impressive finish.

This wine has received high praise from renowned wine critics. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it a score of 95+, describing it as one of the top wines of the appellation. Jeb Dunnuck bestowed a score of 97, hailing it as a knockout wine and one of the best of the vintage. Vinous awarded it a score of 94, highlighting its power, finesse, and impressive longevity. Wine Spectator also recognized its excellence with a score of 95, praising its high-pitched streaks of lavender, white pepper, and refined mineral edge.

The 2015 Chapoutier St Joseph les Granits is a wine that can be enjoyed now, but it also has the potential to age gracefully for many years to come. It is a true gem from the Rhone region, showcasing the mastery and expertise of the Chapoutier producer. Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, this wine is sure to leave a lasting impression.