The Clos de Cuminaille is one of the most privileged sites of Saint-Joseph. It’s an east-facing, walled vineyard on Chavanay’s pure granite soils and produces one of the most distinctive wines of the appellation each year. When Gaillard bought this three-hectare site, he passed on the chance to buy a slice of the now-renowned La Turque vineyard in Côte-Rôtie, a site that he had helped plant. He simply felt that Clos de Cuminaille was the better site—which gives you an idea of why it produces such special wines. The vines here are now over 30 years old, and the winemaking is no different to the Saint-Joseph—save for a touch more new oak (a well-integrated 40% this year). As per the review below, it’s a beautiful wine.