Moving to the reds from bottle, both these 2020s have incredibly concentrated, pure, focused styles that remind me of 2010. The 2020 Hermitage is inky hued, with sensational notes of red, blue, and black fruit as well liquid rock, graphite, burning embers, saddle leather, and hints of candied orange zest. It's a massive, concentrated, powerful wine, yet it stays balanced, has a good sense of freshness, building tannins, and a great finish. As with most great vintages here, it's going to need a decade of bottle age to shed its baby fat and will be a classic Hermitage to enjoy over the following 30 years or so. Maturity 2034-2064.

Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com (March 2024)

A fragrant nose of blackberries, dark cherries, wild herbs, baking spices, stones and black pepper. Medium body with fine, firm tannins. It has volume and structure, but remains extremely agile. It has bright acidity and a vibrant peppery character, giving vitality and tension on the palate. Well-rounded and vivid with a succulent and textured, long developing finish. Best after 2026.

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com (April 2023)

Saturated violet color. Highly fragrant black and blue fruits, incense, vanilla, exotic spices and a strong violet note on the expressive nose, along with smoky mineral and olive nuances that emerge with air. Sappy, penetrating and animated on the palate, showing impressive depth and delineation to its sweet boysenberry, cherry liqueur, salty olive, allspice and floral pastille flavors. At once rich and lively in character, finishing with impressive power, youthfully gripping tannins and lingering spice, mineral and floral notes. Aged in new, 600 liter oak barrels. Drinking Window 2029-2039.

Josh Raynolds, Vinous (December 2022)

The 2020 Hermitage from Jean-Louis Chave exhibits aromas of smoke, spices, blood and carnal notes mingled with coniferous forest. Full-bodied, rich and dense, it's robust and somewhat compact, framed by structured tannins that give it an introverted profile. Concluding with notes of bay leaf and pencil lead, it's relatively firm in the finish. Its depth and structured character require patience. Drink Date 2029-2049.

Yohan Castaing, The Wine Advocate (May 2025)