Saint Joseph Lieu Dit Blanc, Etienne Guigal 2016

A bigger, richer wine, the 2016 Saint Joseph Lieu Dit Saint Joseph Blanc is still in barrel, but it certainly shows lots of potential. Caramelized peach, flower oil, tropical fruits and hints of oak all emerge from this full-bodied, rich, concentrated beauty that stays focused and crisp on the palate.

The 2016 Saint Joseph lieu dit Saint Joseph Blanc includes the old-vine fruit from the former Grippat estate. A blend of 92% Marsanne and 8% Roussanne fermented in 50% new oak and 50% second-fill barriques, it’s ripe and honeyed, marked by aromas of toasted grain, then eases into flavors of toasted marshmallow and orange marmalade before gliding to a long, spicy finish. This medium to full-bodied white looks to have the potential to last up to 10 years in bottle.