The 2005 St.-Joseph, his basic cuvee, is stunning stuff. Fresh, lively, with a deep ruby/purple color and notes of stones interwoven with flowers, red and black fruits, and plenty of licorice and earth, the wine should drink nicely for 7-10 years. The young Coursodon has become one of the top producers of St.-Joseph over the last four or five years, and qualitatively, his 2005s are the equivalent of his freakishly ripe, concentrated, and opulent 2003s. However, this is a differently styled vintage with more tannin, structure, and acidity, and for that reason the winemakers tend to see it as a classic year. All of these wines merit serious attention, and should age beautifully for at least a decade or more. A Patrick Lesec Selection, various American importers, including Chemin des Vins, Sherborn, MA; tel. (508) 545-1532; Vermont Wine Merchants, Burlington, VT; tel. (802) 658-6771; Noble House, New York, NY; tel. (212) 736-0040; Wm. Harrison Imports, Manassas, VA; tel. (703) 815-9463; The Stacole Company, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 998-0029, Fine Vines, Melrose Park, IL; tel. (708) 343-6702, Silver State, Reno, NV; tel. (775) 331-3400; and Wine Warehouse, Commerce, CA; tel. (323) 724-1700

The 2004 St.-Joseph (which was bottled the day before I tasted it) reveals elegant red cherry, cassis, herb, and stony notes. It is a pretty, Pinot Noir-like St.-Joseph to drink over the next 3-4 years. A Patrick Lesec Selection, various American importers, including Stacole Fine Wines, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 398-0029, Classic Wines, Boston, MA; tel. (617) 469-5799, Fine Vines LLC, Maywood, IL; tel. (708) 343-5901, Associated Wine Distributors, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-8048 and William-Harrison Imports, Inc. Manassas, Virginia 20109 (tel) (703) 815-9463.

Dominated by horse blanket aromas. Modest cherry fruit turns metallic and thin on the finish. ——J.C.(11/15/2006)—— 83

The 2003 St.-Joseph, aged in foudre and demi-muids, exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to lovely aromas of black currants, cherries, earth, herbs, and licorice. Enjoy this elegant red over the next 5-7 years. A Patrick Lesec Selection, various American importers, including Stacole Fine Wines, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 398-0029, Classic Wines, Boston, MA; tel. (617) 469-5799, and Fine Vines LLC, Maywood, IL; tel. (708) 343-5901

The deep ruby/purple-colored 2001 St.-Joseph exhibits elegant strawberry and black cherry flavors intermixed with a hint of licorice and pepper in a lightly tannic, medium-bodied format. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. A Patrick Lesec Selection, various American importers, including Stacole Fine Wines, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 998-0023, Classic Wines, Boston, MA; tel. (617) 469-5799, Fine Vines LLC, Maywood, IL; tel. (708) 343-5901, and Associated Wine Distributors, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-8048