2009 Saint Joseph L’Amarybelle by Yves Cuilleron – 90 points

2009 St. Joseph ‘L’Amarybelle’ Syrah Vieille Vignes comes from 20-40 year old vines grown on steep terraces of shallow sand over granite in the Northern Rhone.   2009 was a great vintage and here Stephen Tanzer from International Wine Cellar scores it 90 points …. ‘Inky ruby. Wilder and more assertively perfumed than the Pierres Seches, displaying scents of dark fruit compote, licorice and black cardamom. Broad, palate-coating cassis and boysenberry flavors show an attractive spiciness and become smokier with air. Chewy tannins add grip to a spicy, nicely persistent finish.’