2016 Domaine Jean Louis Chave, Saint-Joseph 1×1.5L

Vinous 94

Opaque ruby. Powerful, mineral-tinged aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, candied flowers, olive and licorice, along with a smoky overtone that builds in the glass. Stains the palate with sweet, energetic black/blue fruit, violet pastille and spicecake flavors that show outstanding purity and mineral-drive. The spice and floral notes repeat emphatically on a strikingly long, lively finish that’s shaped by velvety, even tannins. [Josh Raynolds, 09/04/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2024-2033

Robert Parker 93

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. [Joe Czerwinski, 11/02/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035