Domaine Jolivet St. Joseph L'Instinct

Exciting things are happening in the Northern Rhône. Young, artisan producers with top quality terroir at their disposal are starting to sprout up everywhere. We believe that Bastien Jolivet, our latest discovery, is one of the most thrilling of this talented crop.

Bastien’s father always worked the land and produced the crop only to sell it to the local cooperative. After travelling and working within France and abroad, Bastien finally returned home to the family domaine in 2014, his first vintage. Intelligent and passionate about what he does, Bastien is already making startlingly brilliant wines that mix precision and energy with authenticity and character. 

This one is a blend of 10, predominantly east-facing, St Joseph parcels in St Jean de Muzols – one of the renowned, original St Joseph villages, situated in the southern part of the appellation. The components of the final blend are all vinified separately and fermented with between 30-100% whole bunches depending on the plot. Aged for 14 months in barriques and larger demi-muids barrels with very little new wood.

Tasting notes: Dark and full, but juicy and engaging, the fruit displays a kiss of sunshine to it without sacrificing the wines’ Northern Rhône identity. Ripe Brambly dark fruits and sweet plum, mixed with cracked pepper, salt, and sandalwood. Powerful but with a certain ease, confidence and style. Superb.