Bernard Gripa - St.-Joseph Le Berceau 2017

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Bernard Gripa Description

very full robe; oily, full, fluid density on the nose which has the form of the South in it, is weighted, rather serious, has an aroma of stewed mulberry, cooked plum. This is solid, closely packed, retains freshness in its scaled setting. It’s not quite sipping wine, but it’s close to that. It’s very much one for a planned dinner, and six people minimum. There is chocolate-violet late on. It’s not my style of wine. From 2024 because you want more loosening, accessibility; it’s not a question of the tannins. You could also open it a day ahead. “Our harvest was down 30% this year,” Fabrice Gripa. 14.5°. 2034-36 Dec 2019 Previously Nov 2017 ****(*) (steel vat, Lieu-dit Saint-Joseph, sugars and malo completed) dark colour. Has a concentrated black fruit air, a suave style beyond. The palate has a chunky shape, the lees apparent. This is thorough, grounded wine, with good heart and a square finale. It’s very long. Chocolate on the aftertaste, black raisin and licorice. There are warm vintage signals – the density and thickness. 18 years, so 2034-36. Nov 2017

4 Stars Drink Rhone -John Livingstone-Learmoth

Jeb Dunnuck: 95 Points

The old vine 2017 Saint Joseph Le Berceau is slightly more inky colored yet has a similar exotic bouquet of blue fruits, exotic pepper, sappy herbs, bloody meat, and bacon fat. Rich, full-bodied, and powerful on the palate, it's not for those seeking instant gratification, but it’s a brilliant, classic, old school, beautifully concentrated Saint Joseph that will be adored by Northern Rhône lovers out there. Hide bottles for a solid 4-5 years and enjoy over the following 10-15 years. This family-run estate covers 16 hectares spread between Saint-Péray and Saint Joseph. Looking at their Saint-Péray releases, of which there are two, the Les Pins can be thought of as the base release, with the Les Figuiers being the old vine cuvée. As to the Saint Josephs, there are two cuvées as well, both in red and white. The Le Berceau is the much smaller, old vine cuvée. All the wines here are noteworthy and worth your time and money. They also age beautifully.

Vinous: 93 Points

Opaque ruby. An expansive bouquet evokes fresh black and blue fruits, exotic spices and potpourri, along with smoky mineral and vanilla flourishes that build in the background. Stains the palate with appealingly sweet black raspberry, cherry and salty olive flavors that are energized by a jolt of peppery spices. The spicy note drives an impressively long, gently tannic finish that leaves juicy dark fruit and candied violet behind. - Josh Raynolds