Jean-Louis Chave Saint-Joseph

I tasted several parcels that will go into the 2016 Saint Joseph, rating them all in this range. All were distinctive in their own ways, from the perfumed, floral notes and elegance of Les Challeys to the almost jammy cherry flavors of Les Oliviers and the dark-fruited precision of Le Clos.

Meaty, fleshy, chewy, full in body, but lacks the vibrancy of the 2017s. More shut down than you might expect. Very much teething. Finely tannic.

Super floral. Violets, fragrant and fine-ground white peppers, dark plums and black stones, spices and dark chocolate notes too. The palate has finesse, detail, power and impressive balance. There’s a plump red-fruited core that is really muscular. Expansive body building to an astutely balanced and elegant finish. Graphite to close. Brilliant. Barrel Sample.