Yves Cuilleron, Les Pierres seches Saint Joseph 2020

93 points Vinous
"Saturated garnet color. Pungent, spice-tinged cherry, blueberry and floral aromas are complemented by suggestions of olive, botanical herbs and smoked meat. Succulent and penetrating on the palate, offering concentrated red and blue fruit preserves and licorice flavors; a hint of vanilla and a violet nuance builds on the back half. Finishes long and smooth, with well-judged tannins and echoing spice and floral notes. No new oak."

Vinous Reverie Notes
Grown in selection of vines on the hillsides of the north of Saint Joseph in an assemblage of the plots best expressing fruit and freshness. “Les Pierres Sèches” is not a district, it refers to the dry-stone walls used to strengthen the vine terracing. The soil is sandy, granitic, shallow, and planting is high-density (8,000-10,000 vines per hectare). No insecticides are used, and few treatments (depending on weather) include small applications of organic-only fertilizer, respective of soil and vine balance. Tasting Notes: A fresh, precise, fruity nose. Subtle and taut on the palate, and bursting with lovely fruit. Mild, subtle tannins.