Aged entirely in foudres, the 2018 Saint Joseph is a fine effort. Scents of crushed stone, blueberries and blackberries appear on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is plump and immediately appealing, and the finish surprises for its intensity and length.

Vidal Fleury's 2016 Saint Joseph is a medium to full-bodied offering, silky and easy to drink now, but it has enough backbone and concentration to drink well for at least a decade. Violets, thyme and bay leaf shadings accent blueberries and cherries, lingering easily on the finish.

The 2015 Saint Joseph may be the finest Saint Joseph ever made at this venerable producer. It's got sexy aromas of flowers and baking spices plus sturdier notes of espresso and plum. Full-bodied, creamy textured and rich, it's supple enough to drink now but should age effortlessly for a decade or more.

Showing similar to last year from barrel, the 2014 St Joseph offers lots of black cherry, raspberry, flowers and leather notes in a medium-bodied, elegant and fresh package.