The greatest southern Saint-Josephs recall the wines of Hermitage, and the greatest northern examples resemble Côte-Rôtie. André’s are certainly among the finest, and always have great density despite their seeming weightlessness and elegant bouquet.

Elegant blue and black fruit abound, but here it mingles with a hint of sanguinity and some dusty tannin.

The nearly 120 years that Bastien Jolivet’s small plot of Syrah vines have spent drawing sustenance deep from the granite soils of Saint-Joseph have left a steely stamp on Jolivet’s Cuvée 1907.

The kind of Saint-Jo to dig into right away: smoky, layered, lush, and laced with violet, bay leaf, and black olive.

Aromas of black pepper, briny black olive, and violets with the earthiness, herbs, and concentration of southern Rhône Grenache.

An irresistible charmer, characterized by a brilliant floral perfume and wild dark fruit. Extremely limited availability.

A testament to Lionel’s house style, Les Ribaudes is vibrant and juicy with a hint of peppery spice, and earthy minerality imprinted by its granite terroir. Old-school Saint-Joseph at its finest.

Exuberant, dark-fruited aromatics melding with earthy undertones of bitter cacao. Delicious now, or mind-melting in ten years.

Majestically dark and brooding Cornas, layered with aromas of herbs and mint. Extremely limited availability

This blanc is befittingly made from only Marsanne, with subtle, but not shy notes of stony peach, orange blossom, and pear.