Bott Saint-Joseph Rouge AOC 2021 (750ml) *

Syrah grown on the steep terraces of the northern Rhône tends toward savory detail rather than sheer weight, and this Saint-Joseph Rouge from Bott, drawn from the 2021 vintage, sits squarely in that tradition. It's a medium-bodied red made with a portion of whole-cluster fruit, a technique that lends aromatic lift and a little grip. Saint-Joseph itself is a Syrah appellation, so expect the peppery, floral, slightly wild character that defines Syrah at this latitude.

The color alone signals intent, a deep staining violet. Aromas arrive with sharp focus: black and blue fruits edged with olive, pungent flowers, baking spice, and a whiff of smoke and game. On the palate it's sappy and mineral-laced, with cherry and boysenberry that gain depth as the wine opens, driven by a blue-fruit note into a long, spicy finish. The tannins are ripe and firm but even, giving structure without hardness. Approachable already, with the balance to develop over the next several years.