Jean-Claude Marsanne's Saint-Joseph has become a fixture at Crush. It's old-school in style and unflashy.

The 2016 represents a breakthrough for Marsanne. At as low $33.95 per bottle, this is one of the great northern Rhône values.

Needless to say, we bought as much as we could. We're happy to have located enough quantity to make a second offering of the wine (the original offer went out November 2018).

Jean-Claude Marsanne is not widely known in the U.S., but is widely admired in France. For many years the majority of the small production was sold to private clients and restaurants. Slowly though, their reputation has reached the U.S. and people are starting to take notice of the value and compelling honesty they offer.

We've been consistently blown away by 2016 northern Rhônes, especially St.-Joseph. It's a fairly concentrated and nicely ripe vintage. The exciting part is how it's presented in such a graceful and pristine way. The last vintage that was this exciting to taste was 2010.

Marsanne's 2016 Saint-Joseph offers up incredibly precise aromatics and a stern core of rocky minerality. There's an elegance that's both understated and very compelling. It's a really clear, concentrated and super-compelling vintage for the wine.

Marsanne is based in Mauves, the same village as Gonon. The methods are similarly traditional, delivering wines of extreme purity, with an edginess that we love.

There's no getting around the fact that northern Rhône pricing has really climbed in the past five years. It's exciting to be able to offer an expression of the northern Rhône with so much character and fascination at an affordable price.

To order, reply to offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.

Ian McFadden

Director, Fine & Rare Wine
Crush Wine & Spirits

2016 Marsanne Saint-Joseph

Special Bottle Price: $37.95

Special 6-Pack Price: $203.70 ($33.95/btl)