2019 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Clos Florentin Saint-Joseph

The 2019 Saint Joseph Le Clos Florentin was entirely destemmed, so while the wine's aromas and flavors from a hot, dry vintage skew toward cassis and black olives, the overall impression is one of elegance, finesse and polish. Medium to full-bodied, it's silky and fine, with a long, long finish.

Tasted in components drawn from different sectors of this single vineyard at the southern end of Mauves' frenetic central business district, referred to as SoMa. #1: hugely perfumed red berry and floral qualities on the nose and palate, along with subtle mineral and spice notes. Sweet and seamless in texture, dare I say Burgundian, with fine-grained tannins and clinging florality. #2: deeper and darker in character, showing ripe cherry and cassis qualities and building floral, earth, tobacco and mineral notes. Shows real energy on the back half, leaving suave floral and spice notes behind. #3: blends the energy and richness of the first two components, offering sweet red and dark berry aromas and flavors underscored by a vibrant mineral note. While it's still early days, this is shaping up to be an epic Saint-Joseph, with the depth, power and complexity of many an Hermitage.