This impressive cuvee emerges from three vineyard sources - one behind the town of Tournon, one behind the village of Mauves, and one near the Delas headquarters in St-Jean de Muzols. The exceptional 1998 St.-Joseph Cuvee Francois de Tournon (1,000 cases produced) boasts an opaque purple color as well as a gorgeously sweet nose of jammy black fruits intermixed with underbrush, minerals, and smoke. On the attack and mid-palate, the wine is superbly concentrated and elegant. The tannin, acidity, alcohol, and limited new oak (about 5%) are well-integrated. Like many 1998s, it possesses firm tannin, so 2-3 years of cellaring is recommended. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2018. Importer: Maison Marques et Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 286-2000.