Domaine du Monteillet, Saint-Joseph 2011

91 points Vinous
"Inky ruby. Smoky, mineral-accented aromas of cherry-vanilla, blackcurrant and plum, with hints of tobacco and cured meat. Suave and seamless in texture, with good mineral lift to its sweet dark fruit flavors. The finish is smooth and long, shaped by fine-grained tannins."

Vinous Reverie Notes
Stéphane Montez has won at least 5 gold medals from international competitions and 2 Wine of the Year Awards. Robert Parker describes Montez as “one of my favorite young wine growers in the Northern Rhône”.. The Sommelier International Wine Competition judges agree, saying he’s “a one-stop shop for all your Rhône needs!”
Spanning the longest stretch of river in the northern Rhône - from Condrieu in the north, to Cornas in the south - the heart of St.-Joseph lies directly across the Rhône River from Hermitage. While its soils are basically the same as Hermitage: granite, supplemented by sand and gravel, its east facing slope receives less sunlight than Hermitage, which causes less overall berry ripening on its Syrah vines. However, some of the best of them can rival any fine expression of Hermitage. This wine can easily be kept for 20 years, and reveals itself with intensity (red berries, violets, spice, liquorice, vanilla) and elegance. The tannins are prominent, and mellow with time.
This Northern Rhône Saint-Joseph wine would be a match made in heaven with these dishes. Bon appétit: Beef, Lamb, Game (deer, venison), Poultry.