2020 Domaine Bernard Gripa Saint-Joseph Le Berceau

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.

The top Saint-Joseph cuvée from Domaine Gripa is named Le Berceau, and is a selection from one hectare of their oldest vines planted exclusively on granite soil terraces.

Other Reviews....
Glass-staining ruby. Suave, mineral-accented aromas of cherry liqueur, cassis and exotic spices are complemented by building floral and mineral notes. Sappy and energetic on the palate, showing powerful thrust to its concentrated red and blue fruit preserve, violet pastille and spicecake flavors. Finishes extremely long, spicy and smooth, with resonating florality and subtly chewy, well-knit tannins. One-third whole clusters. Drink 2027-2037.
96 points
Josh Raynolds - Vinous