2017 Hermitage

Lots of new saddle leather, cassis, graphite, and spice box notes emerge from the 2017 Hermitage Domaine Des Tourettes, a medium to full-bodied, balanced, classic Hermitage. With good acidity, moderate tannins, terrific purity, and a straight, focused texture, give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy over the following 15 years or more. Delas Frères continues to fire on all cylinders under the guidance of Jacques Granges, who came on board as the head winemaker in June of 1997. Jacques also has the talented Claire Darnaud helping with the winemaking and, unquestionably, the top wines here are world-class in every way. In addition, the estate has just completed construction on a new cellar located in the heart of Tain l’Hermitage. In addition to the single vineyard, the estate is also a treasure trove of value wines, both from the Northern and Southern Rhône.

The full-bodied 2017 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes comes across as beefy and meaty, with dried spices and mocha nuances accenting those dominant notes. It's already creamy textured and relatively lush on the palate—a Hermitage that may be consumed young or over the next 15 years. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.

Fresh dry stones, boot polish, iodine and fragrant oak spice dress ripe red and dark plums, as well as blackberries, sitting in rather fresh mode. The palate has a succulent feel with a fleshy, spicy array of red plums and cherries. Smooth build of fine tannin here. Try from 2024.