Producer: Domaine Jean-Louis Chave 
Region: Saint-Joseph, Rhône, France 
Blend: Syrah 
Year: 2020 

Vinous, 96-97 Points 

"As with the 2020 L'Hermitage, I tasted this wine in its components, shortly before blending and bottling. This vintage is highly successful at Chave, and this wine, which would qualify as the gateway bottling made from estate fruit, looks to be outstanding, with juicy, spice-laced red and blue fruit character of noteworthy freshness, plus strong florality and mineral drive. I was also struck by the fineness of the tannins, which will likely make the final wine deceptively approachable on release. Don't be fooled - this wine has a long and enviable track record for rewarding patience." 

Wine Advocate, 94-96 Points 

"The rating and review of the 2020 Saint Joseph is a composite based on tasting several lots—Chalaix, Dardouilles and Bechasson—from barrel. With aromas that range from violets to rose petals, garrigue and licorice, plus fruit notes from raspberries to blueberries and cassis, it should prove remarkably complex, backed by ample concentration and ripe, silky tannins." 

Wine Spectator, 95 Points 

"Dark and brooding, with richness to the black plum and cherry flavors edged with bacon. Creamy and svelte on the palate, this shows polish, with cardamon, allspice and aniseed adding detail, backed by a thread of singed mesquite. Concentration builds toward the very long, serious finish, which is firmly grounded by iron." 

Decanter, 94 Points 

"All the lieux-dits I tasted that make up this domaine's Saint-Joseph were showing well and expressed their typical characters, this promising to be a precise style with clear, complex aromatics. It's possible that the rose-scented lieu-dit Bachesson component might be bottled separately this year - in which case you should buy it without hesitation." 

Alcohol: 14.5% 

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.