Opaque ruby. Ripe black currant and cherry pit aromas are complicated by suggestions of smoky Indian spices, olive paste, liquorice and succulent flowers. Concentrated black and blue fruit flavours become livelier and spicier with air, and a bright mineral element adds lift and cut. Chewy tannins add firm grip to a very long, floral-laced finish that echoes the smoke and liquorice notes. 93 points

Partially destemmed, the 2015 Hermitage is atypically intense and tannic for this domaine. It’s dark, concentrated, firm and uncompromising, but it`s also layered and complex, packed tight with plums and blackberries laced with crushed-stone accents. 93 points