André Perret, Saint-Joseph (Rhône Valley, France) 2015

 Saint-Joseph is rapidly becoming my favorite northern Rhône appellation.  Its wines may not be as powerful as those from Hermitage, as exotic as ones from Côte-Rotie, or as elemental as examples from C0rnas, but they share all those attributes in a more measured totality.  This is a wonderful example.  Made from vines averaging 40 years of age, it is dark and intense, with an evocative bouquet and peppery, rustic notes that complement its primary fruit.  My only reservation comes from its assertive tannins.  They certainly should soften with time, but the future is always unpredictable, and they do prevent complete satisfaction right now.  Decanting is definitely the order of the day.