2015 Hermitage

The 2015 Hermitage comes from the Les Doignières and Les Beaumes lieux-dits which are more clay and limestone soils. It's another sensational Hermitage from this magical hillside that I wish every reader could taste. Cassis, damp earth, liquid violets and a liqueur of rocks-like profile emerge from this full-bodied, concentrated and powerful Hermitage, which has no shortage of extract or tannin. It's for consumers with cold cellars and plenty of patience as it's going to require at least 4-5 years of cellaring. This was another terrific lineup of wine from owner/winemaker Florent Vale. Pulling from roughly 13 hectares in Crozes-Hermitage (mostly around the villages of Mercurol and Tain) and just under two hectares in Hermitage, Laurent’s wines see a traditional vinification followed by aging mostly in older demi-muids, with new oak kept to around 20% for most of the cuvées. These are classic, textbook examples of their appellations and the 2015s are beautiful across the board.

Full-bodied, rich and velvety, the 2015 Hermitage is surprisingly approachable. It features savory notes of horse sweat, leather and clove, a round, supple mouthfeel and a long finish. I'd opt to drink this relatively young, unlike many other 2015s.

Tank sample. Pale apricot colour. Beeswax nose. Bitter finish with tension but not that much weight in the middle. This may eventually blossom but it’s much skinnier than one would expect of the combination of appellation and vintage. (JR)