Aymeric Paillard's first vintage in the northern Rhône was in 2014; he's a relatively young producer but this third entry into his small 5ha domaine of Syrah doesn't show like rookie work. 100% whole-cluster, fermented semi-carbonic, and aged for two years in large neutral barrels, this St Joe shows both tension and maturity. It's not a massive wine, but instead has some of the flinty, mineral dimensions we always hope a northerner will have. Great value; it's hard to find Rhône Syrah with some age and nice evolution on it for this price.