Saint-Joseph, L'Olivaie 2018

Jeb Dunnuck 95/100

The 2018 Saint Joseph L'Olivaie is a more serious, concentrated wine offering a touch of background oak as well as impressive cassis and blackberry fruits, full-bodied richness, notes of pepper and Asian spice, building tannins, and a great finish. It shows more minerality and an almost gunflint-like character with time in the glass. It needs a solid 3-5 years of bottle age, but it should see its 20th birthday in fine form.

Vinous 93/100

Glass-staining ruby. Highly perfumed aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, vanilla and smoky minerals, plus a sexy floral note in the background. Gently sweet and expansive on the palate, offering supple blackberry and cherry compote flavors that show sharp clarity and very good depth. Seamless and focused on the persistent, smoke-tinged finish, with velvety tannins providing framework. 20% new oak.

Wine Advocate 92-94/100

The 2018 Saint Joseph l'Olivaie includes a harmonious jumble of berries within its velvety flesh. Blackberries, blueberries and raspberries all make appearances in this full-bodied effort, balanced by hints of pepper and black olive on the long finish. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.