Chave/Jean-Louis St.-Joseph Clos Florentin 2019

94-96 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): “Tasted in components drawn from different sectors of this single vineyard at the southern end of Mauves’ frenetic central business district, referred to as SoMa. #1: hugely perfumed red berry and floral qualities on the nose and palate, along with subtle mineral and spice notes. Sweet and seamless in texture, dare I say Burgundian, with fine-grained tannins and clinging florality. #2: deeper and darker in character, showing ripe cherry and cassis qualities and building floral, earth, tobacco and mineral notes. Shows real energy on the back half, leaving suave floral and spice notes behind. #3: blends the energy and richness of the first two components, offering sweet red and dark berry aromas and flavors underscored by a vibrant mineral note. While it’s still early days, this is shaping up to be an epic Saint-Joseph, with the depth, power and complexity of many an Hermitage. (May 2020)”

95 points Matt Walls (Decanter): “Nine barriques made from Le Clos this year, and the style is supple, round and approachable. Open and appealing at this stage, with violets, some menthol and even a little black pepper, surprising for a hot vintage. Very complete and seamless wine with very fine tannins, slightly higher alcohol than the previous few vintages, but so flattering and succulent. Drinking Window: 2022-2030. (Oct 2020)”

93 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): “The 2019 Saint Joseph Le Clos Florentin was entirely destemmed, so while the wine’s aromas and flavors from a hot, dry vintage skew toward cassis and black olives, the overall impression is one of elegance, finesse and polish. Medium to full-bodied, it’s silky and fine, with a long, long finish. Drink: 2022-2035. (Jan 2022)”