The 2019 Saint Joseph Domaine de la Croix des Vignes is a powerful and concentrated Syrah from Paul Jaboulet Aîné, offering depth and richness uncommon for the appellation. With 94 points from The Wine Advocate, it's a standout vintage showing opulence and age-worthy structure.

The Wine Advocate | RP 94
Published: Jan 20, 2022
Drink: 2023-2035

A bit of a sleeper in the Jaboulet portfolio, the 2019 Saint Joseph Domaine de la Croix des Vignes is a top-flight effort, boasting hints of graham crackers, blueberries, cassis and mocha. It's full-bodied, rich and atypically concentrated, with a long, velvety finish that delivers immense pleasure.

Between my hectic schedule of visits and Caroline Frey's racing around to direct harvesting in Switzerland, Burgundy, the Rhône and Bordeaux, we were unable to connect in person this year. She deputized Robin Jullian, a former cellar hand turned export manager, to taste through the wines with me.

The style of the white wines has changed somewhat, although Jullian pointed out that they're actually more like they would have been in the distant past. Picking dates appear to have been moved forward, and the wines are seeing much less oak than in recent history. The 2020 Hermitage Le Chevalier de Sterimberg, for example, is completely unoaked, aged exclusively in concrete. I confess I had some difficulties grappling with this, writing in my notes at one point, "Nothing resembling Hermitage as we understand it."

The reds were more consistent with my expectations, with the 2019s looking particularly strong and cellar-worthy here, and the 2020s (from barrel) being softer and more elegant.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 91
Published: Jun 2, 2021

A big, rich red with lots of dried fruit, as well as chocolate and walnut undertones. Some dried fruit, such as figs. It's full with chewy yet polished tannins. Drink or hold. 

Jaboulet.com

This estate derives its name from the cross planted at the top of the vineyard, overlooking the plots of Saint-Joseph. Fine and delicate, this wine was already being sold in the 16th century and was appreciated at the table of the French kings. Between 1956 and 1969, the vineyards were consolidated and granted AOC of Saint-Joseph.