Saturated violet. Mineral- and spice-accented dark berry, cherry-cola and pipe tobacco aromas are complemented by a smoky nuance that builds with air. Energetic blackberry, bitter cherry and licorice flavors show very good depth and take a sweeter turn on the back half. Finishes emphatically spicy and very long, with supple, interwoven tannins lending shape to clinging cherry and floral pastille notes.

I tasted a few barrels of Faury's 2020 Saint Joseph, which looks to be nearly at the same level as his 2019, despite not being as dense or concentrated. Balanced and silky, with a deft combination of black olives and cherries, it's a medium-bodied head-turner than should drink well for 8-10 years.