2016 Xavier Gerard St. Joseph Le Blanchard

Lurid ruby. Pungent dark berry, floral and olive scents show excellent delineation and pick up smoky mineral and cracked pepper notes as the wine stretches out. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering bitter cherry and black currant scents that turn deeper and sweeter on the back half. Smoothly blends power and liveliness and finishes very long and smooth, with harmonious tannins lending gentle grip.