Domaine François Merlin
2012 Saint-Joseph
This is a robust Saint Joseph, strong and firm, particularly when compared to Pichon’s Saint Joseph. We advise giving it a little time in the cellar before drinking.
Deeply colored and intensely perfumed with dark fruit scents, mixed with Chinese herbs, wood, ginger, soy, leather, and musky, meaty scents. Bright, clean, but intense fruitiness on the palate, nicely balanced by tannin and a streak of brisk acidity, especially on the mid-palate. Lingering, concentrated, dark cherry flavors on the finish. Delicious.
Food pairing: Lamb; sausages; grilled or barbecued meat; pungent stews; pepper steak; dishes flavored with olives
Exotic notes with plenty of spice — particularly anise and black pepper. Plenty of juicy raspberry and smoked meat on the palate. Complex and delicious.
Food pairing: Korean BBQ
The Creator of This Wine
Domaine François Merlin
Heir not to a winemaker but to a chemical engineer, François Merlin studied agriculture and learned the work of the vines in the vineyards of René Rostaing. He planted his first vineyard -- in Condrieu -- in 1987, started making his own wines in 1999, and quickly became one of the “top names” in Condrieu (according to Rhône expert Livingstone-Learmonth). His son Laurent joined him in 2013.
| Producer: | Domaine François Merlin |
| Region: | Rhone |
| Year: | 2012 |
| Maturity: | 2016-2023 |
| Alcohol: | 12.7% |
| Bottle size: | 750ml |
| Color: | Red |
| Varietal: | Syrah |
| Flavors: | Pepper, Spice, Raspberry |
| Body: | Medium-Full |
| Soul: | Exotic |
