2006 Ermitage Les Dionnieres
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Tasting notes
The dense purple-colored 2006 Hermitage Les Dionnieres offers aromas of road tar, burning embers, creme de cassis, and blackberries. Thick and rich with sweet noble tannin as well as a large-scaled, expansive mouthfeel and finish, it will last for 20-25 years. Owned by Michel Chapoutier, Ferraton has been a solidly reliable, if uninspiring producer until the last several vintages. A few years ago, the Chapoutier team decided to push for maximum quality at this estate, and as a result, the finest wines to emerge thus far are the 2006s, followed by the 2007s. Moreover, prices remain extremely fair as the world marketplace has not yet recognized the rise in quality of Ferraton wines. The white wines performed strongly. Ferraton also produces some single vineyard red and white offerings called Selection Parcellaires. These are the finest wines I have yet tasted from this estate. The 2007 single vineyard reds are slightly lighter and more finesse-styled, with more noticeable acidity. Kudos to Michel Chapoutier and the team at Ferraton for fashioning what are clearly their finest wines to date. Importer: A French Paradox, Peoria, IL; tel. (309) 682-8994
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Saturated ruby. Powerful aromas of blackcurrant, cherry-cola, dried violet and exotic apricot. Supple, sweet dark berry flavors are energized by zesty minerality. The floral and apricot qualities repeat on the finish, which leaves a trail of smoky minerals and licorice behind. Lots going on here.
Inky ruby. Brooding dark berries and kirsch on the nose, with an undertone of cured meat. Intensely smoky dark berry and cherry flavors pack a solid punch, with chewy tannins adding grip. Really stains the palate with sweet cassis and blueberry flavors, finishing sweet, fat and long.