E. Guigal, Saint-Joseph (Rhône Valley, France) 2019

 Guigal now owns prized vineyards in Saint Joseph and makes highly acclaimed wines from them, much as they do in Côte Rôtie.  The grapes for this juicy bottling come from their own vineyards plus ones they buy from other growers.  Although regulations allow for ten percent white grapes (Roussanne and Marsanne) in red St. Joseph, Guigal’s makes theirs entirely from Syrah.  This punchy, robust red delivers succulent fruit balanced by savory meatiness.  It’s a fine choice for hearty roasts and stews this fall and winter.