Etienne Guigal Saint-Joseph Vignes de l'Hospice Rouge 2016 750ml

Saint-Joseph, Rhone, France

Critic Score:

JS96 WA95 WS95

James Suckling 96
The oak is strident, but the fruit is finding its feet and the layers of smoky bacon, cedar and baking spice reveal very rich and ripe dark-plum, blackberry and tarry notes. The palate has terrific density and definition of tannin; this is really a feature and supports long, ripe dark-plum and black-cherry flavors. Drink over the next decade or more.

Wine Advocate 95
Looking even better than it did from barrel, the 2016 Saint-Joseph Vignes de l'Hospice displays hints of crushed stone on the nose alongside ripe cherries and vanilla. It's full-bodied, rich and silky, showing a sense of granitic reserve on the palate, then adds hints of baking spices and flowering garrigue on the long finish.

Wine Spectator 95
Dark in profile, featuring black currant and blackberry confiture notes liberally infused with bay leaf, tobacco, charcoal and roasted alder accents. Concentrated, detailed and focused, with a long, smoldering finish. Best farom 2020 through 2030. 120 cases imported.