I am totally hooked by the flamboyance of the 2019 Saint-Joseph. Vinified with around 90% whole-clusters and checking in at 14.2% alcohol, the 2019 bursts with pronounced intensity of black cherry, blackberry, raspberry, crushed violets, licorice and earthy gradations. Discrete pencil shaving nuances add a ferrous dimension. Showing slightly grippier tannins compared to the more polished 2020, I suspect the 2019 will need a few more years to come around. Hitting the palate with a juicy core of ripe black fruits all balanced by refreshing acidity, this is a sexy Saint-Joseph that will stand the test of time.

Gonon's 2019 Saint Joseph retains the typical floral signature on the nose, but it is more dark-fruited than usual, with notes of black cherries, blackberries and even black olives. It's medium to full-bodied, the first vintage recorded over 14% alcohol, according to Jean Gonon (14.2%). Concentrated, rich and velvety in feel, it boasts a long, gently chewy finish and should age well.

Explosively perfumed, spice-tinged aromas of ripe blackberry, boysenberry, incense and smoky minerals acquire a floral element in the glass. Deeply concentrated and alluringly sweet, offering palate-staining dark berry liqueur, licorice, bitter chocolate and violet pastille flavors, along with an energizing touch of exotic spices. Finishes broad, chewy and extremely long, with steadily building tannins and resonating florality.