2018 Hermitage
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Tasting notes
Deep, glistening ruby. Expressive cherry and dark berry scents are complicated by suggestions of licorice, cracked pepper and botanical herbs. Penetrating kirsch and blackberry flavors pick up hints of bitter chocolate and candied flowers with air; a spine of juicy acidity adds back-end lift. Fleshy and fruit-driven, with even tannins building on the long, sweet finish.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
An excellent introduction to the wines of Hermitage, this has a deep and complex, savory nose with plenty of spicy notes and a whiff of summer rain falling on hot, dry earth. Very full, the considerable richness wrapped around a massive tannin structure, enabling the wine to effortlessly master the 15% alcohol. Full and creamy, yet decisively dry finish. Drink or hold.
Relatively open and generous, the 2018 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes blends notes of red plums and cassis, then adds flourishes of pencil shavings and crushed stone. It's full-bodied and velvety, still a bit tannic and young but nearly drinkable already, with a lingering, licorice-tinged finish.
Certainly not far behind the Les Bessards, the 2018 Hermitage Domaine Des Tourettes sports a dense purple/ruby color to go with thrilling notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, peppered meat, and violets. Full-bodied richness, a seamless, elegant texture, great tannins, and serious length all characterize this young yet incredibly promising Hermitage. Hide bottles for at least 4-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades.