2015 Hermitage Le Greal

Lurid violet. Heady, expansive aromas of black raspberry, cassis, green olive, incense and violet carry an exotic spice overtone. Densely packed and focused on the palate, displaying superb clarity to the sappy dark fruit preserve, floral pastille and spicecake flavors. Distinctly powerful, yet there's surprisingly liveliness here as well. Finishes extremely long and sweet, featuring intense mineral thrust, a spicy cracked pepper note and mounting tannins.

Marc Sorrel says, “I think it’s the best vintage I’ve made,” of the whole-cluster-fermented 2015 Hermitage Le Greal, and who am I to argue with that? It’s a profoundly deep and intense wine, rich in mouth-drying tannins, yet packed with cassis fruit and notes of licorice, mocha and black olives. Give this full-bodied wine another 7 years in the cellar, and drink it over the next two decades.

Still incredibly youthful, with blueberry and cranberry fruit. Sweet, layered and potent on the palate. Awesome texture and length – a wine of brooding and understated power. Really tremendous, though still hiding behind a mask of youth. (RH)