A new cuvée (or at least the first time I've tasted it), the 2015 Saint Joseph La Côte Sud offers a richer, riper style than the other Saint Joseph releases from Courbis. Blackcurrants, toasted spice, licorice and cured meat notes all flow to a concentrated, unctuous 2015 that has terrific fruit intensity and a great finish. The tannins are slightly more pronounced, but there’s tons of sweet fruit and awesome purity, all contributing to a gorgeous Saint Joseph that's going to drink nicely for a decade or more.

(50% new oak) Brilliant ruby. An expansive bouquet evokes ripe black and blue fruits, potpourri and olive, and a smoky mineral note builds in the glass. Shows impressive depth and energy on the palate, offering sweet dark berry, vanilla and violet flavors that are braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Shows a surprisingly light touch for its heft and finishes on a gently tannic note, displaying bright delineation and spicy thrust. JR