Sebastien Blachon, Alban Saint-Joseph 2016, Rhone, France

Tasting Note: An enjoyable Saint Joseph syrah that delivers classic, Northern Rhone fruit.

Medium-intensity ruby in color, this wine has an aromatic, medium-plus-intensity nose of black plum, blackberry, raspberry puree, dried-violet petal and black cherry.

On the palate, the dry medium-plus-bodied syrah delivers medium-intensity flavors suggested on the nose with more red fruit showing on the palate.

The wine is smooth in texture with medium acidity and slightly-velvety, medium-plus tannin.

There is midpalate complexity and balance between the fruit and tannin structure.

A syrah to repeat.