SAINT JOSEPH CUVEE DU PAPYS, DOMAINE DU MONTEILLET 2013

Saint Joseph Cuvée du Papy 2013, Domaine du Monteillet
13%

Stéphane Montez is a talented winemaker based in the Northern Rhône. I am a big fan of his inexpensive white and red wines, so I was delighted to receive a sample of the above wine, made from the oldest parcels of Syrah grown on granitic soils, and then aged in demi-muids for two years. St. Joseph generally offers great value for money, with plenty of really good red wines between €20-30. 2013 was a mixed vintage in the Northern Rhône, but I would have no hesitation buying this wine. Fragrant and elegant with very fine harmonious black cherry and damson fruits, this is ready to drink now although another year or two might improve it further. I Coravined (is that a verb?) my bottle and will return to it this weekend. Sadly the importer has sold out of this wine, but I understand both Redmond’s in Ranelagh and Green Man Wines in Terenure have it for sale at €36.95. In fine wine terms, this represents very good value.