2016 Hermitage Le Greal

Opaque ruby. Spice- and mineral-accented aromas of candied black and blue fruits, violet candy and olive, along with a gamy topnote. Chewy and energetic on the palate, offering pliant, appealingly sweet blackberry and boysenberry flavors that deepen and pick up a peppery note with air. Closes with impressive power, building tannins and solid dark fruit thrust, leaving a suave floral note behind.

The 2016 Hermitage Le Greal comes from Le Méal (85%) and Les Greffieux (15%). The vines are a substantial 60 years old, and with the April hail, only yielded 20 hectoliters per hectare. The wine is inky dark and concentrated, with firm tannins and attractive hints of licorice.

Exquisite black cherry, black olive, juniper, chewy texture and a lovely savoury stony quality. Fragrant and profound with tannin that is both delicate yet firm. (RH)