While far from a great vintage, the steep, well-drained slopes of the Northern Rhone handled the rains much better than those further south. The 2002 St Joseph Lieu Dit St Joseph is a good example of this and it's still ruby colored, with almost no lightening at the rim. Olive, underbrush, spice-box and a touch of mint all flow nicely to a medium-bodied, balanced, lively and thoroughly enjoyable red that's drinking at full maturity.