The 2022 Domaine Courbis Saint-Joseph Les Royes is a single-vineyard Syrah from one of the appellation’s most highly regarded granite hillside sites. Sourced from old vines planted on steep, south-facing slopes, Les Royes showcases the Courbis brothers’ ability to combine concentration and power with the elegance that defines great Saint-Joseph. Careful vineyard management and restrained oak ageing allow the character of the vineyard to shine through.
The nose reveals blackberry, cassis and dark cherry alongside notes of violet, cracked pepper, graphite and smoked herbs. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, combining concentrated dark fruit with polished tannins, vibrant acidity and a pronounced mineral backbone. Layers of olive tapenade, liquorice and spice emerge through a long, savoury finish. The 2022 vintage brings impressive depth and structure while maintaining freshness and precision.
Ben’s Recommendation:
A beautifully structured Saint-Joseph that offers both immediate appeal and excellent ageing potential. Complex, savoury and distinctly Rhône in character, it pairs superbly with roast lamb, beef fillet, duck, venison and mushroom dishes. Enjoy with a decant if drinking young, or cellar through 2038–2042 as it develops greater complexity and tertiary nuance.
