Burning embers, graphite, violets, and mostly blue fruits dominate the 2020 Saint Joseph Les Royes, an Hermitage-like Saint Joseph that has medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, elegant mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's young and unevolved and needs 2-4 years to develop more complexity, but this is a beautifully layered, impressive 2020 that will have 15 years of overall longevity.

(91 - 93 points) Aged in 25% new oak, the 2020 Saint Joseph Les Royes was still in barrels at the time of my visit, so I was presented a representative sample for review. Hints of black raspberries and mocha appear on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is supple, creamy and gently tannic, with a lingering finish. I expect this seductive offering will be approachable upon release (it's slated to be bottled in March or April of 2022) and drink well through the rest of this decade.- JC

Bright purple. Spice-accented red and blue fruit aromas show fine delineation and are complemented by suggestions of vanilla and candied violet. Sappy and nicely concentrated yet lively as well, offering juicy cherry and boysenberry flavors that become spicier with air. Smoothly blends power and finesse and finishes long and smooth, with supple tannins emerging slowly. -- Josh Raynolds

Perfumed and appealing, with pretty violet, hibiscus, fresh plum and red currant notes that turn supple and mouthfilling on the palate. A harmonious wine, with singed alder and oak spice sweetness in perfect balance. The finish is lined with chalky tannins and crushed iron. Delicious. Drink now through 2035. - KB