2018 M. Chapoutier Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Dried, mature fruit with a raisiny edge. Full, high-octane, fleshy and with remarkably juicy red fruit that adds unexpected vibrancy after that desiccated nose. Sandy tannins that are swept up by the acidic bite. This is boxy and thick, yet absolutely in proportion, the equivalent of brutalism in architecture. (RH)
Critic scores
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
More reviews and scores
Glass-staining ruby. An exotically perfumed bouquet evokes ripe, smoke-tinged red and dark berries, pit fruits, candied flowers, allspice and licorice. Juicy and broad on the palate, offering appealingly sweet cherry-cola, black raspberry and fruitcake flavors that are underscored by a smoky mineral quality. Finishes long and smooth, with building energy, sneaky tannins and resonating spice and floral notes. (JR)
The 2018 Hermitage Monier De La Sizeranne comes from a mix of terroirs (sedimentary, granitic, and loess) and was brought up in 20% new oak. Classic Hermitage notes of red and black fruits, cured meats, graphite, new leather, and smoked herbs all emerge from the glass, and this beauty is medium to full-bodied, with an elegant, seamless texture and just about perfect balance. It's not the biggest or richest Hermitage out there, but it's already drinking fabulously, with a textbook character and the balance and class to evolve for 20 years more.