2019 St Joseph Vieilles Vignes

This estate makes a beautiful Saint Joseph and their 2019 Saint Joseph Vieilles Vignes is another winner. Coming from older vines and a steep, south-facing granite hillside just outside of Tournon, its ruby/purple hue is followed by classic Northern Rhône notes of blackberries, smoky bacon fat, ground pepper, and liquid violets. Not far off the 2015, it has a medium to full-bodied, rounded, plush mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. It's straight-up brilliant today, especially with a decant, but if you're tannin averse, give it 2-3 years. It should have 10-15 years of overall longevity.