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’s Le Clos Saint-Joseph 100% Syrah has a dark, garnet black color with purple highlights throughout. On the nose are lovely notes of dark fruit (cherry, blackberry), and beautiful minerality with graphite notes. The wine is soft, rich and elegant on entry. It has very fine, silky tannins, long-lingering finish and aromatic notes reminiscent of the granite terroir.

The 2019 Chapoutier Le Clos Saint-Joseph is a remarkable red wine that showcases the elegance and complexity of Syrah from the Northern Rhone region of France. With a deep garnet color and a cork closure, this wine exudes sophistication from the moment you lay eyes on it.

On the nose, the aromas are incredibly enticing, with a prominent granite character that intertwines with notes of cassis, leather, ground pepper, and powdered rock. It's a bouquet that evokes the essence of the terroir, reminiscent of the iconic Hermitage wines from Bessards. The purity of the aromas is remarkable, drawing you in for a closer exploration.

As you take your first sip, you'll find that this medium to full-bodied wine delivers on its aromatic promises. The palate is smooth and seamless, with fine tannins that provide structure and a sense of elegance. The acidity is well-balanced, adding freshness to the wine and contributing to its remarkable length.

The 2019 Chapoutier Le Clos Saint-Joseph is a concentrated and rich wine that showcases the full potential of the Syrah varietal. It offers flavors of blackberries, cassis, and hints of scorched coffee, all wrapped in a dense and creamy texture. With time in the glass, additional nuances emerge, including notes of clove, crushed herbs, and a forest-floor character.

This wine has received high praise from esteemed wine critics. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it an impressive score of 96, commending its elegance and length. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it a score of 94+, highlighting its concentration and plush texture. James Suckling also awarded it 94 points, noting its power and potential for aging. Wine Spectator was equally impressed, giving it a score of 95 and describing it as a dense and muscular wine with exceptional potential. Vinous awarded it 94 points, praising its array of ripe fruit, savory qualities, and impressive finish.

The 2019 Chapoutier Le Clos Saint-Joseph is a wine that demands attention and admiration. With its depth, complexity, and aging potential, it is a true gem from the Rhone region that will continue to evolve and captivate for years to come.