Description

François Merlin, a shy, modest man worked for René Rostaing (one of the great names of Côte Rôtie) as Chef de Viticulture for over 10 years where he gained his understanding of terroir. In 1987 he planted his first vines and was also able to buy some existing vines. The wines remain a bit of a secret but Merlin is often one of the first cited by other top producers when asked their favourite local producer..

Produced from vineyards in the north of Saint Joseph, France in 2007 (a great vintage), this wine has more in common with its near neighbour of Cote Rotie. 100% Syrah with old vine intensity (50% vines planted 1968) with perfume and elegance. His red Saint Joseph looks rather like a little Cote Rotie and comes from 2 parcels aged 18 and 40 years old located in the north of the appellation. His goal is to make fresh long complex wines rather than unctuous ones without losing the fruit purity of the vineyard. Superb Saint Joseph with depth, intensity and freshness …this wine needs to be decanted or alternatively cellar for up to 10 years.
RRP: $78