2018 Pierre Gonon Saint-Joseph [D96][V95][JD94][WA94]

Producer: Domaine Pierre Gonon 
Region: Saint-Joseph, Rhône, France 
Varietal: Syrah 
Year: 2018 

Decanter, 96 Points 

"Incredibly open and vibrant aromatics of black olive tapenade, bay leaf and rosemary. Mouth-filling but without excessive weight, this is juicy and fresh. Finishing dry, this is a wine that’s entirely satisfying, delicious and sweetly fruited, with good acidity and length. Simply a brilliant wine, no matter how you measure it." 

Vinous, 95 Points 

"Deep violet. Intensely perfumed, mineral-accented aromas of red and blue fruit preserves, licorice, exotic spices and potpourri, along with an exotic suggestion of incense. Stains the palate with concentrated black raspberry, cassis, bitter cherry and fruitcake flavors that are given spicy lift by a suggestion of white pepper. A violet pastille nuance emerges with aeration and carries through an extremely long, youthfully tannic finish that shows outstanding definition and mineral thrust." 

Jeb Dunnuck, 94 Points 

"Cut from the same cloth as the 2019, the 2018 Saint Joseph is a dark, powerful, medium to full-bodied effort that has the sunny, ripe style of the vintage balanced beautifully by purity and freshness. Violets, spring flowers, bay leaf, and pepper-laced darker berry fruits give way to a polished, seamless Saint Joseph with terrific tannins and a great mid-palate. Both the 2018 and 2019 are terrific wines, with the 2019 showing just a touch more structure." 

Wine Advocate, 94 Points 

"More floral and red fruited than the 2019, Gonon's 2018 Saint Joseph is a medium to full-bodied effort that will please fans of this exemplary estate. Cherries and raspberries are joined by hints of violets and mint on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is starting to close down just a bit and show firm but ripe and silky tannins on the long, mouthwatering finish. Try to avoid opening a bottle for another few years, as the first flattering flush of youth is fast giving way to sullen adolescence." 

Alcohol: 13.5% 

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.