J.L. Chave Sélection Circa Saint-Joseph 2019

A tasting of barrels samples of various lieux-dits: Les Dardouille, Le Clos, Les Challaix, Bachasson (both higher and lower sites). The overall impression is a rich, full vintage, but by no means excessive, jammy or baked. Each site expresses its particular character with aplomb, and there is plenty of high-toned precision to the aromas, ranging from the floral and spicy to the deeply fruited. The alcohol is marginally higher than in a typical year, but not unbalanced. J.L. Chave’s Saint-Joseph is lively, vibrant and rich, fresher than most 2019s. Drinking window: 2021-2028. Score – 94. (Matt Walls, decanter.com, Dec. 9, 2020)