Cedar accents cherry-vanilla aromas in the 2019 Saint Joseph l'Olivaie. Adding notes of blackberry and licorice, this is full-bodied, plush and expansive on the palate, with a long, velvety finish. While some may object to the overt barrel influence, this is a hedonistic red for drinking over the next decade or so, with potential for further improvement over the years. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.

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.

Aged in a mix of demi-muids and pièces (20% new oak is used), the 2017 Saint Joseph l'Olivaie shows just a hint of baking spices on the nose, accompanied by copious notes of black olives, purple raspberries and blueberries. It's full-bodied, silky and plush, perhaps a bit on the modern, slick side of things for purists, but it's undeniably high in quality and delicious. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.

Weighing in at 14.5% alcohol and 20% new oak, the 2016 Saint Joseph l'Olivaie features a mix of dark, earthy notes that includes hints of black olives, clove, black cherry and rich loam. It's full-bodied and velvety, with a long, espresso-tinged finish.