Pierre Jean Villa, Saint-Joseph (Rhône Valley, France) 2009

 $40 is a rather audacious price for a new producer’s entry level wine from Saint-Joseph in the northern Rhône, but then again, Pierre Jean Villa is already looking more like a new star than just a new producer, and this wine would never be taken for an entry level release if I hadn’t let that cat out of the bag.  It shows impressively saturated color, billowing aromas of fresh, ripe berry fruit, and alluring savory undertones.  The flavors fit those same descriptors, and the finish shows just the right balance between sweet fruitiness and firm structure.  This is bloody impressive.