2016 Michèle Luyton Hermitage
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Tasting notes
Inky ruby. Smoke- and spice-accented dark berries, licorice, bacon and olive qualities on the expansive nose. Deep-pitched black and blue fruit flavors become livelier and spicier with air and show excellent delineation. Sappy, penetrating and smoky on the clinging finish, which features building tannins and resonating floral and spice notes.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
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Matching what was achieved in 2015 (which is saying something), the 2016 Hermitage from Michèle Luyton comes from more limestone and clay soils and was brought up in 40% new French oak. Its saturated purple color is followed by a rocky, meaty, classic old school bouquet of cassis, ground pepper, new leather, and leafy herbs. Showing more and more floral qualities with time in the glass, it's medium to full-bodied, has beautiful density, and a supple, elegant, layered texture. Give this beautiful and classic Hermitage 2-4 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following 15+ years. Winemaker Michèle Luyton continues to make a classic, elegant, and finesse-driven style of wine from her holdings in Hermitage and Saint Joseph.
Michele Luyton's 2016 Hermitage offers savory aromas of grilled meat and green onion along with ample weight and concentration on the palate. Plummy fruit is underscored by some dry, chalky tannins and a chewy finish.