Bernard Gripa - Cerise Vin de France 2016

"A plump, forward wine, with a gutsy ball of cassis and plum fruit laced with smoldering tobacco and bay leaf notes. The modest structure makes this a suitable quaff for backyard grilling. Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon." Wine Spectator

The village lines of Saint Joseph have expanded over the years but 4th Generation winery Domaine Bernard Gripa’s vines on the steep gneiss-covered slopes located in and around Mauves produce arguably the best Saint-Joseph wines. The wines of Saint-Joseph have a long and great history but only attained AOC status in 1956.

This is actually listed as a non-vintage wine and carries the humble "Vin de France" moniker but it comes all from the 2016 vintage. Because the wine comes from vines in St Joseph but is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Syrah, you have a wine that doesn't fit in the appellation system. 
 

A plump, forward wine, with a gutsy ball of cassis and plum fruit laced with smoldering tobacco and bay leaf notes. The modest structure makes this a suitable quaff for backyard grilling. Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.