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.

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.