The 2012 Saint Joseph L'Amarybelle has more richness and weight, with beautiful black raspberry, charred earth, roasted herbs and background meatiness. More masculine and muscular, with medium to full-bodied power on the palate, as well as ripe tannin, it will evolve gracefully for 10-12 years. Yves releases two cuvees from Cornas, and I found the quality consistent in 2012, yet preferred the Vires release by a fair margin in 2011. There are three Saint Joseph cuvees in red: the Les Pierres Seches, which comes from sand and granite soils around the town of Chavanay; the L'Amarybelle, which comes from high density, terraced plantings of older vines; and lastly, the Les Serines, which comes from the oldest vines of the estate and is the only cuvee to see new oak. Importer: Rosenthal Wine Merchant Ltd., Pine Plains, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990

Slightly richer, with ample black raspberry, creme de cassis, bacon fat, minerality and violets, the 2011 Saint Joseph L'Amarybelle is similarly-styled on the palate, with a medium-bodied, fresh and elegant feel. It too should be consumed over the coming 4-6 years or so. Yves releases two cuvees from Cornas, and I found the quality consistent in 2012, yet preferred the Vires release by a fair margin in 2011. There are three Saint Joseph cuvees in red: the Les Pierres Seches, which comes from sand and granite soils around the town of Chavanay; the L'Amarybelle, which comes from high density, terraced plantings of older vines; and lastly, the Les Serines, which comes from the oldest vines of the estate and is the only cuvee to see new oak. Importer: Rosenthal Wine Merchant Ltd., Pine Plains, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990