M. Chapoutier Saint Joseph Le Clos 2019

M. Chapoutier Saint-Joseph Le Clos 2019 is a striking expression of northern Rhône Syrah, crafted from steep, granitic slopes overlooking the river. This cuvée focuses on purity, tension and terroir, balancing deep fruit with the trademark freshness of Saint-Joseph. As a single-site wine from one of the region’s most respected producers, it offers both immediate pleasure and serious cellar potential.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2019 Le Clos shows a deep, vivid ruby-purple colour, hinting at its concentration and youthful energy. The nose is expressive and layered, with dark blackberry and black cherry at the core, joined by violets, graphite, cracked black pepper, and a touch of smoked meat and tapenade. Subtle notes of licorice, garrigue herbs and warm stones underline its northern Rhône origins. On the palate, this is a focused, medium to full-bodied Syrah with fine precision rather than sheer power. Ripe dark berries and plum are wrapped in a firm, mineral backbone, with lively acidity giving the wine lift and definition. Silky yet structured tannins frame flavours of blackcurrant, olive, pepper spice and a faint hint of cocoa and cured meat on the long, savoury finish. The 2019 vintage has the ripeness to be enjoyed young with a good decant, but the structure and balance suggest a comfortable aging window of 10–15 years, during which additional complexity—truffle, leather, and more gamey nuances—should emerge.

Production
Le Clos comes from carefully selected parcels in Saint-Joseph, rooted in poor, decomposed granite soils that naturally limit yields and concentrate flavour. The steep, terraced vineyards benefit from a continental climate moderated by the Rhône River, with warm days and cool nights preserving aromatic intensity and freshness. Grapes are typically harvested by hand at optimal ripeness to ensure meticulous sorting directly in the vineyard. In the cellar, Chapoutier employs traditional northern Rhône vinification: destemming is often partial depending on vintage conditions, followed by a temperature-controlled fermentation with regular pump-overs or punch-downs to gently extract colour, tannin and aroma. The wine is then aged in oak—often a mix of seasoned barrels and a modest proportion of new—long enough to polish tannins and add subtle spice without overwhelming the purity of the fruit or the expression of its granitic terroir.

Food & Serving
This Saint-Joseph is a natural partner for flavourful, savoury dishes: think roasted lamb with herbs, grilled beef, duck breast, or game birds such as pigeon or quail. It also works beautifully with slow-cooked beef cheeks, braised short ribs, charcuterie, and earthy mushroom dishes or lentil stews. Mature hard cheeses like aged Comté, Cantal, or a well-aged Gouda complement its structure and savoury notes. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in a large Burgundy or Syrah glass to allow the aromatics to open. Decanting for 1–2 hours in its youth is recommended to soften the tannins and release the full spectrum of spice and floral notes; older bottles (8+ years) can be decanted more gently, about 30–45 minutes before serving, mainly to separate any sediment.

Producer
Founded in 1808, M. Chapoutier is one of the great historic names of the Rhône Valley and a benchmark for quality from Hermitage to Saint-Joseph, Côte-Rôtie and beyond. Under the leadership of Michel Chapoutier, the estate has become a pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in the region, with an emphasis on vineyard expression, low yields and meticulous parcel selection. Their single-vineyard bottlings, such as Le Clos, are designed to showcase the nuances of individual terroirs, often featuring detailed labels that sometimes include Braille as a nod to inclusivity. Widely acclaimed by critics and collectors alike, M. Chapoutier has accumulated numerous high scores and accolades across international markets, cementing its reputation as a leading producer of age-worthy, terroir-driven Rhône wines.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.