Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Saint-Joseph 2012

Tasted in components prior to blending. #1, from Dardouille: Deeply pitched dark fruit and floral scents show a faint medicinal character. Powerful and sharply focused, with intensely spicy cassis and bitter cherry flavors and excellent finishing cut. #2, from Clos Forentin: Wilder and more perfumed on the nose and palate, offering smoky, mineral-laced red and dark berry flavors and a suave touch of Asian spices. #3, from Les Oliviers: Extremely floral and mineral-driven dark berry aromas, with a touch of smokiness. Sweet, incisive and pure, finishing with strong thrust and minerally persistence. #4, from Bachasson: Emphatic red fruit and floral aromas and flavors, with a spicy note in the background. Fresh, focused and perfumed on the finish, which leaves a strong candied rose note behind. The finished wine should be quite elegant, with strong floral character and an emphasis on juicy red fruit. Score - (92-94). (Josh Raynolds, vinousmedia.com, March 2014)