Sainte-Épine
Red
- Grape Variety
- 100% syrah
- Soils
- Decomposed granite
- Surface
- 1hectare
- Appellation
- Saint-Joseph
Terroir of Sainte-épine
The Saint-Joseph appellation stretches across around fifty hillsides and terraces, but Sainte-Épine covers barely one hectare, located in the commune of Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, in a natural amphitheatre facing southeast. The soil is composed of decomposed granite, a geological counterpart to that of Les Bessards in Hermitage, that brings a mineral, taut, and vibrant framework to the Syrah. This is one of Delas’ most distinctive and personal terroirs, producing a rare wine crafted to the highest of standards.
Saint Épine reveals the quintessence and singularity of a great terroir in the southern part of the Saint-Joseph appellation—one marked by granite and capable of bringing forth the elegant dimension of a wine that is, by nature, rustic. It is a cuvée vibrant in its minerality, massive in its tannic structure, with a restrained aromatic profile.
Vintages
Vintage
After a rainy end to 2022, an exceptionally dry winter and early spring led to early and uniform budburst. The wetter late spring, with no mistral winds, was offset by favorable flowering conditions, accelerating the vegetative cycle. Veraison progressed steadily in late July. The August heatwave hastened ripening in parts of the vineyard, sometimes resulting in heterogeneity between parcels.
winemaking and ageing
The grapes are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness. Upon arrival at the winery, the berries are destemmed and transferred to temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. During the early stages of fermentation, gentle extraction is carried out through carefully measured pump-overs and punch-downs.
After pressing, the wine is racked and transferred to barrels. Malolactic fermentation takes place in oak barrels. An ageing period of 18 months is carried out, with 20% new oak, followed by racking and final blending in stainless steel vats three months prior to bottling.
wine profile
Intense red colour, with garnet and violet hues.
The nose immediately reveals the typical aromas of Syrah grown on the granite soils of Saint-Joseph’s finest terroirs: violet and liquorice.
The tannic structure is firm, suggesting exceptional ageing potential. The quality of the tannins is reflected in the wine’s silky texture. This cuvée can already be enjoyed and will delight the palate for many years to come as it continues to age.
Rewards
95
May 2026
“Another highlight in Delas’s range, the 2023 Saint-Joseph Sainte-Épine is deeply impressive, revealing aromas of mulberries, cassis, menthol, spices and dark wild berries. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and concentrated, it’s layered and precise, framed by fine-grained tannins and enlivened by a vibrant core of fruit, concluding with a long, precise and ethereal finish.[…] It will require time in the cellar to reach its full potential.”
96
May 2025
“An exceptionally full-bodied and rich wine for this appellation, but it is still quite closed. A compact structure of very fine tannins clothed in a cloud of black fruit aromas. Very long, velvety finish that somehow manages to be delicate in spite of the abundant power.[…]. Best after 2026.”
Technical information
Production
6051 bottles
Ageing
21 months
Cellar ageing
5 to 15 years
Vintage
Marked by exceptional drought conditions and unusually early ripening, the 2022 vintage will be remembered as one of the most distinctive in recent years. Following a late budburst caused by winter cold, a warm and sunny spring accelerated vine development, while the heat of summer encouraged remarkable berry concentration. Despite limited yields, the harvest revealed grapes in outstanding sanitary condition, combining intensity, balanced ripeness, freshness and precision.
Winemaking and ageing
The grapes are harvested by hand at perfect ripeness. Upon arrival at the winery, the berries are destemmed and transferred into temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. During the initial phase of fermentation, extraction is carried out gently through carefully managed pump-overs and punch-downs.
After draining off, the wine is racked and transferred into barrels. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel, followed by 18 months of ageing in barriques, with a moderate proportion of new oak (20 to 30%) to preserve the imprint of the site. A blending is carried out 3 months before bottling, after the wine is brought back together in stainless steel for final harmonization.
Wine profile
Sainte-Épine 2022 delivers a Saint-Joseph that is deep, vertical, concentrated, yet vibrant.
The wine shows a dense, almost black color. The nose reveals notes of blueberry, violet, black pepper, garrigue, and warm stone, with a subtle smoky touch typical of granite soils. With aeration, the wine gains further complexity, unveiling nuances of dried meat, sage, and graphite.
On the palate, it is broad and structured, with a firm yet finely drawn tannic framework. The mid-palate is rich and taut, while the long, mineral finish leaves an impression of serene power.
A wine of controlled strength that will fully reveal its character after a few years of cellaring.
rewards
95
May 2025
“All destemmed and raised in barrel with 20% new, the 2022 Saint-Joseph Sainte-Epine comes from a cooler, decomposed granite terroir just north of Tournon. It offers pure cassis and black raspberry fruits as well as spicy oak, crushed stone, and dried flowers. It’s medium to full-bodied, concentrated, has perfect balance, fine tannins, and a great finish. […]”
95
May 2024
“Deep, dark and mysterious, this is very concentrated, full-bodied and plush for this appellation, with stacks of forest berry fruit plus notes of gingerbread, smoke and raw meat. Very compact core of fine tannins with a slightly austere elegance and a wet stone freshness that make it stand out in this appellation. […]. Huge aging potential. Best from 2026.”
Technical information
Production
4984 bottles
Ageing
21 months
Cellar ageing
25 years
Rewards
96
Vintage 2023
95
Vintage 2022
95
Vintage 2023
