Verzier, Empreinte St-Joseph 2020

97 points Decanter
"As Rhone-lovers will know well, it's important to nuance the very different qualities of St Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage. It wasn’t the plump, juicy generosity of the latter which fought its way through to our Best In Show collection this year, but rather the fragrance, elegance, swish, verve and classicism of the former that most impressed our judges. If you love the mouthwateringly smoky, ham-bone-and-flowers allure of Northern Rhone Syrah, then dig into a glassful of this 2020 wine and see it personified. The wine is neither plump nor texturally rich on the palate; what it does do, rather, is take that perfumed fresh fruit and run with it to hypnotic (and mouth-watering) effect. You’ll find brighter acidity here than in most Northern Rhone white wines, paradoxically, but that acidity is ripe, vivid and resonant: perfect structuring for a wine that is clearly best drunk and enjoyed as soon as possible."
Best in Show

Jancis Robinson
Full bottle 1,305 g. Decanter Best in Show winner from Izeras Chavanay. Certified biodynamic.
Beautiful! Polished and correct. Very pure, moderate oak. Bone-dry end. Savoury yet fresh and feathery. Already lovely. Jamet-ish. Not cheap but then St-Jo isn’t nowadays alas. (Chapoutier, Les Granits is £44 now.) So clean – mouthwash! 17.5/20 points."

Vinous Reverie Notes
Verzier’s vines are located on the plateau above the southernmost part of the Condrieu appellation. Tasting Notes: In the glass, it’s already evident that the wine will be powerful. Dark purple color with just a hint of red. The nose is of fresh blue and blackberries with just a hint of white pepper and leather. The balance in the mouth is extraordinary with fresh, zesty fruit and surprisingly lively given the sweet fruit flavors. Very long, with ripe, supple tannins.