I tasted from a couple of barrels that will be blended to make Robert's 2018 Saint Joseph. The first, from near Glun, was rich, powerful and supple, with chocolate and purple raspberry notes and a full-bodied, creamy-textured palate. The second, from Tournon, while still full-bodied, was fresher and more structured, with floral notes, a mix of red berries and black olives, and firm but silky tannins.

As close to a vin de soif as you'll find at this address, the 2017 Saint Joseph delivers lively cherry and blackberry fruit, framed by hints of crushed stone and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, with velvety-ripe tannins, it finishes with juicy, mouthwatering acidity and ample length.

The violet-scented 2016 Saint Joseph is just flat-out fun to drink. Dominated by bright, fresh cherry fruit, it's medium to full-bodied and silky, punctuated by herb and pepper notes on the nose and finish. Knock it back over the next 4-5 years. Tasted twice, with consistent results.

I loved the 2015 Saint Joseph and while this region can be slightly erratic, that’s certainly not the case with this producer. Blackberries, blackcurrants, crushed rocks and a hint of burning embers all emerge from this full-bodied, concentrated St Joseph that has top-notch richness and flavor intensity. It needs short-term cellaring and will drink nicely for over a decade.

One of the stars of the vintage, the 2014 Saint Joseph comes all from granite terroirs located around the villages of Tournon, Mauves and Glun, and was aged all in three-year-old barrels. It sports a deep ruby/purple-tinged color as well as fabulous notes of cassis, smoked meats, licorice and toasted spice. Rich, concentrated, seamless and gorgeously polished, with building tannin, it's as sexy as they get in this vintage and will keep for a decade.