2016 - Domaine Pierre Gonon, Saint Joseph

Inky ruby. Pungent black raspberry and cherry cola aromas are complemented by suggestions of potpourri, olive and allspice. Silky and expansive on the palate, offering spice-tinged red and blue fruit flavors that show excellent delineation and back-end thrust. Lively and seamless in texture, finishing with minerally drive and harmonious, slow-building tannins. The interplay of power and finesse here is quite impressive.

Looking even better than it did from barrel, the 2016 Saint Joseph was singing last summer when I tasted it at the domaine. Truffle-like earthy florals accent peppery herbs, blending seamlessly with olives and raspberries on the nose. The palate is medium to full-bodied, rich and velvety, voluptuous even, yet balanced and vibrant, with a long, mouthwatering finish.