Durand/Eric & Joël St.-Joseph "Lautaret" 2016

93 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "The terrific 2016 Saint Joseph Lautaret is concentrated and tannic, one of the few 2016 Saint Josephs I'd recommend for short-term cellaring. It's full-bodied and rich, packed with black olives and black cherries, and finishes long and velvety. Give it a couple of years and drink it over the next decade. Drink: 2020-2030. (Dec 2018)"

93 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2016 Saint Joseph Lautaret is a richer, medium to full-bodied, ripe Syrah that has tons of classic spiced red and black fruits, licorice, violets, and roasted, peppery herbs. This voluptuous, layered, meaty effort has the charming, fleshy style of the vintage yet still packs some serious oomph and density, and is a rocking wine. (12/20/18)"

92 points Wine Spectator: "[$45 list] Enticingly ripe, with a succulent edge to the mix of crushed plum, warm raspberry and blackberry compote flavors. Light tobacco, singed alder and graphite notes flow underneath, adding length and range to the finish. Drink now through 2025. 290 cases made. (11/15/18)"

91 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "[$45 list] Vivid ruby. Mineral-accented aromas of ripe dark berries, licorice and succulent flowers pick up a smoky nuance as the wine stretches out. Vibrant cassis and blackberry flavors are lifted and sharpened by a jolt of juicy acidity and a hint of black pepper. Becomes sweeter with air and picks up a salty olive quality that carries through the long finish, which features harmonious tannins and repeating florality. Drink: 2022-2028. (Jun 2018)"

***(*) John Livingstone-Learmonth (DrinkRhone.com): "black-centred robe, purple rim. The bouquet bulges out of the glass, has a brothy, stewed black fruits aroma, a red meatiness in it. The palate is copious immediately, wide and wavy. Its black fruits are seasoned with some black pepper freshness, and the finish brings in menthol, licorice. The fruit is engaging here. 13°. From mid-2018. 2023-24. (Nov 2017)"