The 2016 Saint Joseph Poivre et Sol features aromas of dark toast and earth, followed by hints of plum, cola and indistinct spice elements. It's medium to full-bodied, with a smooth, supple texture and easy-drinking personality.

More mid-weight and superficial, the 2011 Saint Joseph Poivre et Sol offers pretty spice, pepper, flowers and sweet raspberry to go with a medium-bodied, lightly textured and quaffable profile. Enjoy it over the coming 3-5 years. Made by Francois Villard, with varying degrees of whole cluster fermentation, these wines shows the racier, focused and peppery side to Syrah. Bright acids, notable tannin and pure, clean flavors are the norm here. Given the high level of stem usage, the vast majority of these will benefit from short term cellaring. Importer: Elite Wine, Lorton, VA; Tel. (703) 339-8150