100% Syrah sourced from three separate parcels in Hermitage: ‘Les Plantiers,’ ‘Les Greffieux,’ and ‘Les Bessards’. Winemaker Jean-Michel Sorrel, alongside brothers Jacques and Bruno, practice long-held Hermitage traditions: plowing by horse, picking grapes by hand, and using older barrels for aging (2 years in this case). This wine showcases aromas of black cherry, cinnamon, plum, and ripe blackberry. On the palate it is full-bodied and meaty, with notes of chocolate covered cherry, sandalwood, and cola. Great structure with grippy tannins that is bound to soften in the cellar over the next decade. This needs a good decant to unfurl in the glass. Pair with rack of lamb.

94 – Decanter