“The nose is springtime in the English countryside, with fruit and flowers wafting over the aroma of cobblestones after a heavy rain. That mix of floral freshness and damp saltiness lingers onto the palate, while the tannins look on, before acid blows through like a strong wind. ”

“Integrated and layered already, this wine has ages to go before it comes fully into its own. For now, enjoy youthful aromas and flavors of red cherry, raspberry, dewy rose petals cacao and gentle oak spices. Those with patience, practice it—this wine will only become more complex and interesting with time. Drink now through at least 2030.”

“Vivacious from the go, with pronounced aromas of black cherry and plum, bittersweet cacao, blackberry bush, bramble and mushroomy forest floor. The palate follows through, adding additional layering of black tea and violet potpourri. Let the fine-grained tannins tickle your tongue, the vibrant acidity give you that prickle of energy and that long, lengthy finish convince you of another sip.”

“Barrel fermented and aged sur lie for five months in (18% new) French oak, the wine glistens with Meyer lemon and honeydew. Pineapple, gardenia, and sweet basil line the palate, lending a zingy profile to a finish of salty minerality.”

“The 2020 Saint Joseph François De Tournon is on another level, with gorgeous intensity in its red and black fruits, smoky, meaty, sweaty saddle leathery nuances, obvious minerality, and beautiful finish. This complex, nuanced Saint Joseph picks up more violet and granite-like minerality with time in the glass and shines on all accounts. It's the finest vintage of this cuvée I've tasted, and this should be snatched up by savvy readers. It would easily pass undetected in a lineup of top Hermitage. ”