Lurid violet. Vibrant and focused on the nose, displaying fresh, mineral-inflected black and blue fruit scents and hints of incense and black cardamom. Shows impressive energy and spicy lift to the sweet boysenberry and black raspberry flavors, which pick up a smoky aspect with air. Displays outstanding clarity and appealing sweetness on the floral-accented finish, which is shaped by silky, even tannins. This is showing more liveliness but marginally less richness than the Les Granits right now.

From granite-based soils across the river from Hermitage, the medium to full-bodied 2016 Saint Joseph le Clos is a tremendous effort. Pastry crust notes frame blueberry fruit in this elegant and spicy red, which seems almost modern in style through the mid-palate. Then its granite roots take charge, delivering notes of crushed stone and a sense of austerity on the savory finish. It looks to have about two decades of pleasure ahead.