2015 Saint-Joseph Blanc Lieu dit Saint-Joseph Guigal

Vinified 50% in new oak barriques, 50% in 2nd use, then spends nine months in them. All barrels at Guigal get a medium toast, long and slow, with a natural flame. Measured oak influence on the nose: peach, apricot, brioche. Rich mouthfeel, lush, silky, luxurious. Bright acidity, well balanced. Powerful style, run through with wood spice. Long finish. 2017-2023.

More spice here, and the oak has also brought a tighter feel. This has a fragrant edge composed of aromatic white peaches and yellow plums. The palate has mouth-watering power, freshness and drive, which complement the melon and peach fruits, hints of grapefruit and orange zest. A wine that finishes toasty and spicy with a long, warm wash of oak. Best from 2018 when it will compress and then for 6+ years after that. A blend of 90% marsanne and 10% roussanne.

The second year where they've moved away from 100% new oak, the 2015 St Joseph Lieu Dit St Joseph Blanc is all Marsanne and offers an utterly profound bouquet of orange blossom, white flowers, crushed rocks, licorice, white peach and honeysuckle. Full-bodied, rich and layered, yet with incredible purity, it's the finest example of this cuvée I've tasted. Bravo!

Limpid yellow-gold. Aromas of ripe orchard and pit fruits and vanilla are complemented by bright mineral and floral overtones. Sappy and expansive on the palate, offering incisive orange zest, quince and ginger flavors and a touch of honeysuckle. In an elegant, even understated style, displaying strong closing thrust and repeating florality.