Quite ripe, yet not over-ripe, the inky hued 2019 Saint Joseph reveals notes of pen ink, crushed stone, blackberry, and ground pepper, followed by a full-bodied red with moderate acidity. Rich and textured, not heavy, it can be drunk over the coming decade or so.

Very enticing, showing a plump core of dark currant and blackberry preserve flavors, with ganache, anise and savory hints providing nice contrast from start to finish. Nice streamlined finish. Drink now through 2030. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. - J.M.

Saturated magenta. Mineral-accented boysenberry, cherry, violet and cracked pepper on the fragrant nose. Offers appealingly jammy black and blue fruit, allspice and candied violet flavors that pick up a smoky note with aeration. Round, even tannins frame a spice-accented finish that hangs on with very good, floral-tinged tenacity. Raised in a combination of used oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. -- Josh Raynolds