Marked by hints of toasty oak on the nose, the 2019 Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon backs those up with notes of red cherries. It's medium to full-bodied, silky and fresh, with a long, faintly herbal finish. It should drink well for up to a decade.

Aged mainly in barrel, the 2018 Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon boasts flamboyant aromas of cracked pepper, clove, baking spices and cedar set against a backdrop of black cherries and black olives. Medium to full-bodied, richly textured and long on the finish, it shows the structure of its granite sources—a sense of tannic restraint that suggests ample aging potential, yet doesn't preclude present-day enjoyment.

The full-bodied 2017 Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon offers up armloads of dark fruit and black olives alongside hints of mocha and graham crackers. There's a gentle herbal edge evident on the lengthy finish, but this full-bodied effort is silky and elegant from start to finish. It should drink well for 5-6 years, perhaps longer. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.

The 2016 Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon comes from the granite soils of Tournon, near the southern end of the appellation. Loaded with dark, savory scents of espresso and black olive, this medium to full-bodied wine is supple and creamy-textured on the palate, a lovely effort, crowned by a long, silky and vibrant finish. It should drink well for a decade (and maybe more).

Inky and concentrated, the 2015 Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon is no easy-drinking Saint-Joseph. It's smoky, herbal and ashy all at once, yet it's buoyed by ample black cherry fruit and vibrant acidity. This medium to full-bodied Syrah has plenty of tannins, but they're ultimately silky and most apparent on the long, licorice-tinged finish. This is approachable now but should be even better in 3 years and should drink well for at least another 10 after that.