2018 St Joseph l'Olivaie

Glass-staining ruby. Highly perfumed aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, vanilla and smoky minerals, plus a sexy floral note in the background. Gently sweet and expansive on the palate, offering supple blackberry and cherry compote flavors that show sharp clarity and very good depth. Seamless and focused on the persistent, smoke-tinged finish, with velvety tannins providing framework. 20% new oak.

The 2018 Saint Joseph l'Olivaie includes a harmonious jumble of berries within its velvety flesh. Blackberries, blueberries and raspberries all make appearances in this full-bodied effort, balanced by hints of pepper and black olive on the long finish. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.

More cassis, graphite, and liquid rock notes emerge from the 2018 Saint Joseph L'Olivaie. Brought up in 15% new French oak, it nevertheless has a classic, mineral-laced style, medium to full body, a kiss of background oak, and a gorgeous, layered textured. All destemmed Syrah, from 60-year-old vines and pure granite soils, aging in just 15% new French oak, it’s another killer wine from this estate that I’d be thrilled to have in the cellar. I’ve raved about the quality coming from this estate in the past, and the young Jerome Coursodon continues to deliver the goods in every vintage. All of his wines come from steep, east, and south-facing, granite soils located outside the village of Mauve, in the southern part of the Saint Joseph appellation.