Defined on the nose by scents of mocha deepening into espresso, the 2019 Saint Joseph Les Royes also boasts enough ripe blueberry fruit to balance things out. It's full-bodied and supple, marking a big difference in tannin quality compared to the domaine bottling, allowing this wine to appear plush and soft on the long finish.

Lifted on the nose, with hints of nail polish remover, I'm confident the bottled 2018 Saint Joseph Les Royes will turn out fine. Cherries and raspberries appear in a medium to full-bodied wine that shows more structure and acidity than the regular Saint Joseph, finishing long and crisp.

Aged in 20% new oak, the 2017 Saint Joseph Les Royes is just a bit plusher and more concentrated than the regular Saint Joseph. Of course, it adds hints of pencil shavings and baking spices to the mix of ripe cherries and black olives as well. Medium to full-bodied, it's velvety textured on the palate and finish, where it picks up hints of almond paste and mouthwatering fruit.

Aging in approximately 30% new oak, the 2016 Saint Joseph Les Royes comes from a limestone-based terroir. It’s plummy and supple, with cedar and vanilla highlights. It should drink well immediately after bottling in March 2018 and provide ample enjoyment for 6-7 more years after that.