Menthol, cedar, cherry and plum notes all appear on the nose of the 2019 Saint Joseph Terres d'Arce. Full-bodied and concentrated, with a rich overlay of velvety tannins and a long, silky finish, this wine could use a bit of time to harmonize but should be a beauty in a couple of years. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.

The highly perfumed 2018 Saint Joseph Terres d'Arce features scents of crushed stone and violet, plus vibrant cassis notes. Full-bodied and supple, it firms up on the softly dusty finish, lingering easily on the palate. It should drink well from soon after release and for a decade after that.

From the estate's oldest Saint Joseph vines, the 2017 Saint Joseph Terres d'Arce is fermented and aged in 40% new 400-liter barrels. The result combines crushed stone, cracked pepper and mixed berries with notes of espresso and brown sugar. It's full-bodied, concentrated and powerful, with a velvety mouthfeel and a long, rich finish.

A bit more austere and structured than the Crozes Hermitage, the 2016 Saint Joseph Terres d'Arce delivers lovely cherry fruit, hints of crushed stone and peppery-floral spice elements. This medium to full-bodied wine should drink well for a decade or so.

A slightly bigger, richer, more concentrated wine is the 2015 Saint Joseph Terres D'Arce. Made from 100% Syrah and aged all in barrels, with a tiny production of less than 100 cases, it has a big, exuberant bouquet of cassis, graphite, hints of vanilla bean and espresso roast, as well as gorgeous minerality, to go with a medium to full-bodied, rich, layered and seamless style on the palate. It has building tannin and is a serious St Joseph that will require short-term cellaring.