Francois Merlin Saint-Joseph 2017

François Merlin is a patient, thoughtful winemaker based in Condrieu. With his two sons assisting him in the winery, he's been putting out some serious-yet-approachable wines from a variety of appellations. The emphasis isn't either on fruit or earth, but on purity and flair. Stems are included when appropriate, but by no means is their approach dogmatic.

This is a bottling of St-Joseph from schist and granite soils. It spends time in both neutral and new cask (a small percentage), in 600 liter and 228 liter barrels. It's a classic, exemplary St-Joseph and it's drinking beautifully right now.

Tasting notes: blueberries, rosemary, green olive.

Food pairing: tapenade-rubbed pork roast, lamb chops