Critic ratings
robert_parker
2012
Rating:
90
–90
A blend of Marsanne and Roussanne, the 2012 Saint Joseph Lyseras is also outstanding. Crisp orchard fruits, citrus and some butter citrus/lime qualities all flow from this medium-bodied, racy and pure white. Showing excellent purity and high drinkability, it will be versatile on the dinner table and drink nicely for 2-3 years.
Yves releases two cuvees from Cornas, and I found the quality consistent in 2012, yet preferred the Vires release by a fair margin in 2011. There are three Saint Joseph cuvees in red: the Les Pierres Seches, which comes from sand and granite soils around the town of Chavanay; the L'Amarybelle, which comes from high density, terraced plantings of older vines; and lastly, the Les Serines, which comes from the oldest vines of the estate and is the only cuvee to see new oak.
Importer: Rosenthal Wine Merchant Ltd., Pine Plains, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990
robert_parker
2006
Rating:
90
–90
The 2006 St.-Joseph Lyseras, which is a blend of Marsanne and Roussanne, has beautiful honeyed grapefruit, fresh marmalade, and apple jam notes in a medium-bodied wine with some underlying minerality and good acidity. Drink it over the next 3-4 years.
Importer: Rosenthal Wine Merchant Ltd., Pine Plains, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990
robert_parker
1999
Rating:
86
–86
The 100% Marsanne 1999 St.-Joseph Lyseras is aged in old oak and cuve prior to blending. It is a citrusy, light to medium-bodied, clean effort that is best consumed over the next 2 years.
Importer: Neal Rosenthal, Select Vineyards, Shekomeko, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990
robert_parker
2000
Rating:
86
–86
The 2000 St.-Joseph Lyseras (75% Marsanne and 25% Roussanne, all barrel-fermented) exhibits crisp citrus/grapefruit notes with a hint of honey. It is a pleasant, medium-bodied, elegant offering to enjoy over the next year. Although the 2000 whites are lighter and less intense than usual, they remain tasty.
Importer: Neal Rosenthal, Select Vineyards, Shekomeko, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990
robert_parker
1997
Rating:
90
–90
The 1997 St.-Joseph Lyseras exhibits a honeyed lemony/citrusy nose, copious quantities of ripe fruit, medium to full body, and low acidity. It is meant to be drunk now and over the next 12-18 months. Importer: Neal Rosenthal, Select Vineyards, Shekomeko, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990
robert_parker
1998
Rating:
88
–88
The 100% Marsanne 1998 St.-Joseph Lyseras is aged half in tank and half in barrel before blending. It reveals an impressive tactile fatness and richness, with no heaviness. Notes of minerals, peaches, and honey can be detected in both the aromatics and flavors. This is a lusciously fruity, concentrated St.-Joseph to drink over the next several years. Importer: Neal Rosenthal, Select Vineyards, Shekomeko, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990
