Chave/Jean-Louis St.-Joseph 2018

93-94 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): “Tasted in components. #1, from Chaillets: shows expansive, ripe black and blue fruit, incense and potpourri qualities; olive paste and exotic spice notes build in the glass. Tightens up with air and takes on a zesty mineral nuance. #2, Dardouille: black currant, boysenberry, fruitcake and violet pastille aromas and flavors show sharp delineation and back-end thrust. Shuts down slowly and dusty tannins build. #3, from Baschesson: vibrant black and fruit scents show sharp definition and take on a suave floral note with air. Sweet and energetic, showing very good depth and strong, floral-driven persistence. This should be a less formidable wine than its infant 2019 sibling, but it sure won’t lack for power or depth. (May 2020)”

92-94 points Jeb Dunnuck: “Looking at the 2018 from barrel, I was able to taste two barrel samples of the 2018 Saint Joseph. It’s largely in the same style as the 2017 and just textbook Saint Joseph with its darker, mineral-laced fruits and smoked meat and pepper aromas and flavors. It’s beautifully done, medium to full-bodied, and will drink nicely in its youth yet also age. (12/12/19)”