2011 Hermitage
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Tasting notes
Glass-staining ruby. Spicy cherry pit and blackcurrant aromas are complicated by notes of star anise and violet, with a touch of smokiness building in the glass. Fleshy and gently sweet, with ripe cassis and blueberry flavors complemented by deeper-pitched suggestions of licorice and bitter chocolate. Shows very good clarity and lift on the finish, which is framed by smooth, even tannins that fold easily into the wine's fruit.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Also superb, with ample creme de cassis, licorice, smoked meats and licorice in its big, full-bodied personality, the 2011 Hermitage has a knockout texture, masses of fine tannin and a great finish. Enjoy it over the coming 15 years or more. This was a rock star lineup by owner/winemaker Florent Viale. Covering roughly 13 hectares in Crozes Hermitage (mostly around the villages of Mercurol and Tain) and just under two hectares in Hermitage, the wines from this domaine see a traditional vinification followed by aging mostly in older demi-muids, with new oak kept to around 20% for most of the cuvees. The wines are classic, textbook examples of their appellations and should not be missed. The fact that they can represent good value is just icing on the cake. Importer: The Source, San Francisco, CA; Tel. (415) 621-6151 and Milton Road Trading, www.MiltonRoadTracking.com
Already fragrant: peachy, greengage, touch of honey. Creamy and pretty oaky on the palate but more cream than spice, and there's depth of fruit to shine through. I'd want to leave it until the oak has subsided a little. (JH)
Also superb, with ample creme de cassis, licorice, smoked meats and licorice in its big, full-bodied personality, the 2011 Hermitage has a knockout texture, masses of fine tannin and a great finish. Enjoy it over the coming 15 years or more. Dec 2013, www.robertparker.com