Saint Joseph, across the river from the hill of Hermitage, seems destined to live in the shadow of its legendary, much smaller neighbour. But in the best sites, away from the flatlands, there are great vineyards here too. Domaine Chifflet has a single hectare above St-Jean-de-Muzols — as hallowed a piece of Saint Joseph land as exists. The Chifflets have farmed these steep slopes by hand for three generations. Aided by J.L. Chave's former Chef de Culture, Romain, Paul Chifflet makes just five barrels a year of classical, perfumed, elegant Syrah.
