Domaine Jean Louis Chave, Saint-Joseph, Clos Florentin 2020

Deep, bright-hued violet. Highly perfumed, mineral-accented cherry liqueur, cassis, candied licorice, incense and black pepper aromas show outstanding clarity and floral lift. Stains the palate with intense black and blue fruit, smoky bacon, star anise and floral pastille flavors that possess unlikely energy for their depth. The mineral and floral notes drive a strikingly long, vibrant finish that showcases resonating cherry, floral and mineral notes.

Le Clos exhibits its usual exceptional balance this year: it's very ripe in fruit but slender on the palate, with tannins like 100% cacao. Bright, firm acids bring a perfect sense of balance. A panther of a wine.

Drink 2025 - 2033

Coming from a single parcel in the southern part of the appellation, just outside of Mauve, the 2020 Saint Joseph Le Clos reveals a similar ruby/purple hue as well as beautiful aromatics of darker berries, ground pepper, black olive, and incense. Darker and meatier than past vintages, it hits the palate with that classic Le Clos sweet fruit and richness and is medium to full-bodied, has ultra-fine, velvety tannins, and a great finish. It's another singular release from this remarkable family that I wish every reader could taste. Enjoy bottles over the coming 10-15 years.

Drink 2022 - 2037