"Inky purple. Powerful, smoke-accented aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, licorice and violet, and a peppery element adding vivacity and spiciness. Deep-pitched cassis and bitter cherry flavors open up slowly, becoming sweeter and picking up a suggestion of candied flowers. Dusty tannins shape the lingering spicy finish. In a brawny, wound-up style that should reward patience."

Softer and more approachable than the la Couronne de Chabot, the 2014 St Joseph la Croix de Chabot is a medium-bodied, charming effort that gives up lots of black raspberries, rose petals, hints of saddle leather and background meatiness. It too is impeccably balanced and leads with its fruit. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years.