2009 Hermitage Le Greal

An undeniably old-school styled Hermitage, the 2009 Hermitage Le Greal comes from vines in the Le Meal and Greffieux lieux-dits (it’s mostly from le Meal) and was brought up in older barrels. This deep ruby/plum colored effort boasts loads of currant and blackberry fruits, ground pepper, dry aged beef and building minerality on the nose. Medium-bodied, surprisingly elegant, with good acidity, and fine tannin, it’s just at the early stages of maturity and will last for another two decades or more.

A stunning, potentially profound effort, the 2009 Hermitage Le Greal (14.6% natural alcohol) is a 30 to 35-year wine. Terrific aromas of charcoal, roasted meats, blackberries, boysenberries, licorice and graphite jump from the glass of this full-bodied, unctuously textured, thick, concentrated wine. Give it 5-7 years of cellaring and enjoy it over the following three decades. Importer: J.O.A. Imports, McLean, VA; www.jaowineimports.com