2017 Hermitage
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Hermitage was perhaps the least impressive of the various Tardieu-Laurent bottlings I tried this year, no doubt a reflection of the difficulties in sourcing grapes from this highly sought-after appellation. From the la Pierrelle lieu-dit, it marries cedary oak and baking spices with pretty blueberry shadings in a medium to full-bodied effort that's easygoing and very drinkable, but it lacks the gravitas expected from the appellation.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Inky ruby. Expressive cherry, blueberry and violet aromas are complemented by hints of exotic spices and smoky minerals. Succulent and broad on the palate, offering deeply concentrated, spice-laced black/blue fruit flavors and a violet pastille quality that builds on the back half. Broad and densely packed, yet lively as well, finishing with sharp delineation, youthful, firm tannins and strong, floral-driven persistence. (all de-stemmed fruit)
Cask sample. Tasted blind. Freshly shaved oak scent on the nose, with compact black fruit and a dense, layered texture with plenty of tannic chew. Meaty notes on the finish, although it is hugely persistent, and perhaps needs time for that to come. Potent and powerful. (RH)
80% Marsanne (over 50 years old), 20% Roussanne (over 40 years old). 24 months in new and one-year-old oak barrels (Allier, Tronçais, Jupille). Deep greenish straw. Interesting savour with structure. Tastes like fruit smashed against a wall. Very juicy and refreshing but with enormous depth. A little honeysuckle, a little herbiness and enormous length. This really builds towards the finish. Suggests there is much more to come. (JR)