Tasted from barrels, vineyard by vineyard. 1) from Clos Florentin: High-pitched red fruit and floral character, with juicy acidity and a late mineral flourish. 2) from Le Croissant, in Clos Florentin: Deeper and darker fruits, showing intense violet and licorice notes along with olive, game and smoky mineral qualities on the back half. 3) from Chaillets: Mineral-accented cherry and blackberry qualities are sharpened by a peppery flourish. Concentrated but lithe, displaying excellent focus and chewy texture. 4) from Baschasson: Intense dark fruit scents and flavors; smoky mineral and spice notes add vivacity. Rich yet urgent as well. The final wine will be one of the best examples of this bottling yet, I'll wager, delivering serious depth and flavor intensity but energy as well. I suspect that it will match up favorably with plenty of Hermitages from the vintage. (JR)

The 2015 Saint Joseph has some delicate florals but is marked more by ripeness and power. Dark fruit, black olive and even some tarry notes feature prominently in this medium to full-bodied wine that’s supple, spicy and long on the finish. (JC)