Saint Joseph Rouge, Pierre Gonon 2018

Cut from the same cloth as the 2019, the 2018 Saint Joseph is a dark, powerful, medium to full-bodied effort that has the sunny, ripe style of the vintage balanced beautifully by purity and freshness. Violets, spring flowers, bay leaf, and pepper-laced darker berry fruits give way to a polished, seamless Saint Joseph with terrific tannins and a great mid-palate. Both the 2018 and 2019 are terrific wines, with the 2019 showing just a touch more structure.

More floral and red fruited than the 2019, Gonon's 2018 Saint Joseph is a medium to full-bodied effort that will please fans of this exemplary estate. Cherries and raspberries are joined by hints of violets and mint on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is starting to close down just a bit and show firm but ripe and silky tannins on the long, mouthwatering finish. Try to avoid opening a bottle for another few years, as the first flattering flush of youth is fast giving way to sullen adolescence.