2023 Yves Cuilleron Saint Joseph Cavanos Syrah, Northern Rhone

Granite slopes around Chavanay give Saint Joseph its backbone, and Cavanos is Yves Cuilleron leaning into Syrah with a bit more depth while keeping that northern Rhône lift. Cuilleron has built his name on precision and balance, and here he lets the site speak without pushing extraction too hard.

The aromatics feel classic but alive. Blackberry and dark cherry sit alongside cracked pepper, violet and a touch of olive tapenade. There’s a savoury edge straight away, smoked meat, dried herbs and a faint graphite note that hints at the granite underfoot.

On the palate it lands in that medium to full zone, but it’s more about shape than weight. Tannins are firm and fine, giving grip without drying things out, and there’s a line of freshness running through the middle that keeps everything moving. The fruit stays dark and focused, then gives way to spice, pepper and a lightly smoky, mineral finish.

Cuilleron’s style is measured, thoughtful fermentation and restrained oak, building structure and texture while keeping the wine clean and expressive.

This is built for flavour. Lamb cutlets with rosemary and char, duck with olives, or a slow cooked beef dish with herbs all make sense. It also handles dishes like grilled eggplant with miso, mushroom and black garlic, or a smoky lentil stew, where the wine’s savoury depth has something to work with.

Drinking well now with a bit of air, but it will continue to evolve over the next eight to twelve years, softening and picking up more earthy, complex layers.