2020 Domaine Bernard Gripa Saint-Joseph

Domaine Bernard Gripa own sixteen hectares of vineyards, based primarily around Mauves in the heart of the Saint-Joseph appellation. While Bernard is still assisting at the winery, it is his son Fabrice that now directs the winemaking activities for the family. Fabrice and his team work the steep and challenging terrain of the vineyards, which unusually for the area are planted half to white grapes and half to red grapes. Much of the vineyard holdings are old vines averaging 65 years of age, with some vineyards over 80 years old. In addition to Saint-Joseph, the Gripa family also own 3.5 hectares of Marsanne and Roussanne in white-grape-only appellation of Saint-Péray.

As with many of the wines from Domaine Bernard Gripa, their Saint-Jospeh is sourced from older vineyards that range from 30-45 years old, with the vines are planted solely on the granite soil terraces famous in the area.

Other Reviews....
Dark violet color. Fragrant, spice-tinged blackberry, cherry, smoky bacon and olive aromas take on a floral nuance with aeration. Sappy and focused on the palate, offering intense dark fruit preserves, espresso, cracked pepper and floral pastille flavors that are energized by a hint of smoky minerality. Closes with repeating floral and spice notes, gently gripping tannins and strong persistence. 25% whole clusters here and 15% new oak. Drink 2026-2035.
93 points
Josh Raynolds - Vinous