The Clos de Cuminaille is one of the great sites of St Joseph. It's a single, east facing slope in Chavanay that produces one of the most distinctive and delicious wines of the appellation, year in, year out. When Gaillard bought this 3ha site he passed on the chance to buy the now famed La Turque vineyard in Côte Rôtie (which he helped plant). He simply felt the Clos de Cuminaille was the better site! The vines here are now almost 30 years old which, combined with the low yields Gaillard insists on, contribute to the Cuminalle's pulpy richness and tightly coiled intensity. A little more new oak than the St Joseph - 40% - is involved in the elevage, otherwise the winemaking is identical. When tasted from barrel Cuminalle usually looks more backward or reticent than the blend. Not so this year! Buoyantly aromatic, the palate was lifted by lively acidity and fresh, sculpted tannins, while the finish was remarkably intense. That said, fans of this wines rocky, meaty persona will be delighted to hear the 2010 has lost none if its mojo; this is deliciously saturated, spice-fuelled Syrah of the highest order.