2012 Hermitage

Dark purple. Cherry liqueur and dark berries on the highly fragrant, smoke- and spice-accented nose. At once rich and nervy, offering intense cherry-vanilla, cassis and violet pastille flavors that show excellent depth and clarity. Finishes sweet, broad and very long, with notes of smoky bacon fat and mocha and slow-building tannins lending grip.

I love the Hermitage from this estate, and the 2012 Hermitage doesn’t disappoint. Aged 18 months in 30% new barrels, it exhibits fabulous notes of black raspberry, smoke, underbrush, saddle leather and cracked pepper. These all flow to a medium to full-bodied 2012 that has bright acidity, fine tannin and a ripe, already upfront and approachable feel. Despite the forward nature however, it doesn’t lack for concentration and will have 15-20 years of overall longevity. I suspect it will be drinkable for most of it as well.

Syrah in demi-muids for 20 months. From Les Beaume, Péléat, and La Grande Diognière. Treacle nose with freshness and life. So vivacious and well balanced that it's easy to overlook just how concentrated it is. Chewy finish for now but clean and lively. (JR)