Faury/Lionel Saint-Joseph 2020

94 points Matt Walls (Decanter): "I love the nose! It bursts out of the glass, so distinctive, so complex - tangy blackberry, juniper, burnt herbs and pine resin. Only light-bodied, but great impact and intensity, pinpoint acidity, tight, textural tannins that provide plenty of grip. Explosively aromatic, so lip-smackingly delicious that it puts many a Côte-Rôtie to shame. From the northern part of the appellation, with a large proportion of whole bunch. Tasted non-blind. Drinking Window: 2022-2030. (Oct 2021)"

93 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "Saturated violet. Mineral- and spice-accented dark berry, cherry-cola and pipe tobacco aromas are complemented by a smoky nuance that builds with air. Energetic blackberry, bitter cherry and licorice flavors show very good depth and take a sweeter turn on the back half. Finishes emphatically spicy and very long, with supple, interwoven tannins lending shape to clinging cherry and floral pastille notes. Drink: 2024-2032. (Dec 2022)"

91-93 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "I tasted a few barrels of Faury's 2020 Saint Joseph, which looks to be nearly at the same level as his 2019, despite not being as dense or concentrated. Balanced and silky, with a deft combination of black olives and cherries, it's a medium-bodied head-turner than should drink well for 8-10 years. Drink: 2023-2030. (Jan 2022)"