Becheras (Le Prieureé d'Arras), Domaine Etienne
Rhone, France
Saint-Joseph
Cuvee Tour Joviac
Syrah
2015
$78.99
13.5%
Transparent and clean even given the vivid purple core, the rims a bright magenta. There's an element of coconut to vanilla custard in the nose, just ripe cherry fruit and pits, whisper of pressed flowers, on the main it's blackberry, boysenberry, black cherry fruit and dusty earth, not especially forthcoming. Medium-bodied with firming tannin, at this juncture the tannin dominates the primary fruit, cranberry, boysenberry, blueberry with snap. Undercurrent of fried butter, butterscotch to caramel without oaky toastiness. Violets and mineral dust bring some lift through the mid-palate but it clamps down again by the finish. Savory without noticeable garden herbs or such. Bristles with energy, if not direction, will need some time for the structure to soften and it's anyone's guess how much fruit will go the distance. 1.5 liter bottle.
88 points

Note: Trying to broaden horizons more with Saint-Joseph in search of value. Have tried a few from this producer and not sure it's resonating with me. Part of the Rosenthal book. This is sort of their reserve bottling.