The red, and a serious looking barrel sample, the 2012 Saint Joseph Les Archeveques exhibits fantastic black raspberry, plum, graphite, licorice and raw earth to go with a medium-bodied, nicely textured, yet decidedly elegant and fresh feel in the mouth. A blend of 100% Syrah aged 16 months in 40% new oak, it will drink well on release and over the following 7-8 years. Coming from the schist soils located just north of the town of Vienne (close to Cote Rotie), in the Seyssuel region, and with a slightly similar southern exposure to its more well-known neighbor, the team of Pierre Gaillard, Yves Cuilleron and Francoise Villard are, along with a few other dedicated growers (Stephane Ogier being one of them), showing the potential of this “new” (in the Roman times, it was more famous than Cote Rotie) region. Playing in the more elegant, finesse side of the spectrum, these efforts have beautiful, energetic and lengthy profiles, with solid potential. In addition, they release a number of other cuvees from all of the northern Rhone (and some southern Rhone) appellations. Looking specifically at the efforts from the Seyssuel region (which is north of the town of Vienne and comprised of schist soils), they release two cuvees; the Sotanum, which is a rich, more full-bodied release; and the Heluicum, which is more finesse-driven. Importer: DHI Selection, New York, NY; tel. (516) 869-9170

Tasted out of bottle, the 2011 Saint Joseph Les Archeveques is similarly-styled, with a medium-bodied, fresh and lively profile that carries ample currant and raspberry fruit, spice, hints of gaminess and an alluring, singed leather-like quality. Drink it over the coming 8-9 years. Coming from the schist soils located just north of the town of Vienne (close to Cote Rotie), in the Seyssuel region, and with a slightly similar southern exposure to its more well-known neighbor, the team of Pierre Gaillard, Yves Cuilleron and Francoise Villard are, along with a few other dedicated growers (Stephane Ogier being one of them), showing the potential of this “new” (in the Roman times, it was more famous than Cote Rotie) region. Playing in the more elegant, finesse side of the spectrum, these efforts have beautiful, energetic and lengthy profiles, with solid potential. In addition, they release a number of other cuvees from all of the northern Rhone (and some southern Rhone) appellations. Looking specifically at the efforts from the Seyssuel region (which is north of the town of Vienne and comprised of schist soils), they release two cuvees; the Sotanum, which is a rich, more full-bodied release; and the Heluicum, which is more finesse-driven. Importer: DHI Selection, New York, NY; tel. (516) 869-9170