Honey, pear and pineapple aromas appear on the nose of the 2019 Saint Joseph Blanc. A 70-30 blend of Marsanne and Roussanne that was mainly barrel fermented and aged (20% went into tank and stayed there until the final blending), it's a medium to full-bodied effort, with a plump, fleshy mouthfeel and a lingering, more citrusy finish.

The 2016 Saint Joseph Blanc is a plump, medium to full-bodied wine that hints at honey, pineapple, tangerine and apricot. It's a complex swirl of fruit, grounded by some chalky, stony notes on the long finish. It should drink well for a few years.

Starting with the whites, and another great vintage, the 2015 Saint Joseph Blanc is as classic as they come. Offering lots of white peach, tangerine and floral notes in a fresh, concentrated, lively package that just begs to be drunk. This wine is a year in, year out no brainer, and while I like it in its first 3-4 years, it evolves gracefully. To give some perspective on when to drink these, the 2013 is incredible today, and I’ve tasted this cuvée going back over a decade with terrific results.

An outstanding white, the 2014 Saint Joseph Blanc (mostly Marsanne) offers light minerality in its honeysuckle, citrus blossom and orchard fruit-driven bouquet. This carries to a medium-bodied, elegant and crisp white that shows the quality that continues to come from this estate on a yearly basis. It’s a perfect entry into northern Rhone white and will drink well for a minimum of 4-5 years.

One of my favorite whites from this region, Gripa’s 2013 Saint Joseph Blanc is a beauty. Giving up lots of white peach, flowers and honeyed citrus, it’s medium-bodied, has lots of fruit and classy, juicy acidity. Buy this knockout effort by the case and drink it over the coming 4-5 years.