François Villard Mairlant Saint-Joseph Syrah 2020

Saturated violet color. Vibrant, spice-tinged dark berry, cherry, potpourri and licorice aromas are sharpened by a smoky mineral flourish. Fresh blackberry and bitter cherry flavors become sweeter with air and show a salty olive nuance on the back half. Well-delineated and energetic in style, finishing spicy and quite long, with gently chewy tannins and resonating florality. 50% whole clusters. Drinking window: 2026-2034. Score – 93. (Josh Raynolds, vinous.com, Dec. 2022)