Saturday, May 30, 2009

2006 Domaine Faury St. Joseph Blanc

Faury Saint Joseph white is produced from 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne grapes whose vines are between 5-15 years of age grown on granite based soils.

Aromas: lemon, lemon meringue, minerality, nice tart finish
Body: medium
Color: straw yellow

St. Joseph’s, an AOC in the Northern Rhone, appellation is large for the region, comprising more than 2,400 acres of vines from the river to the hillsides and up on to the plateau above. (The slopes of Hermitage have little more than 300 acres of vines.) Many of the vineyards have a more easterly exposure, receiving less sun than those on the hillsides, along with a colder wind, resulting in grapes of an entirely different quality St. Joseph produces 90% Syrah and 10% of either Marsanne or Roussanne.

The estate of Phillipe Faury makes just six wines, two whites and four reds. The wines are far less rustic than many Saint-Joseph, the fruit ripe, and the overall results more complex.

Tasting Notes: Beautiful pear, lanolin and vanillin aromas jump from the glass, the palate has a seductive minerally and oily texture that leads to flavors of pear, honeysuckle and a well balanced toasty oak finish. A light wine, with a slightly harsh note on the finish. Notes of pineapple, cream, vanilla, and wet slate. Marsanne / Rousanne blend.

Eat with: grilled rabbit roulade, carrot purée, haricot verts, baby carrots, roasted shallots & thyme jus