M. Chapoutier : Les Greffieux 2022

Wild dark berries, dark cherries, spices, rose and lilac mingled with lovely peppery notes introduce the 2022 Ermitage Les Greffieux, a dense and concentrated, full-bodied and structured wine with a fleshy core of fruit, a harmonious, balanced palate and a long, mineral and peppery finish, despite a slightly green touch. Matured 80% in large barrels, 25% of which are new, this is somber yet balanced Hermitage.

The magnificent 2022 Ermitage Les Greffieux opens with enticing aromas of graphite, black cherry, cedar, red plum, and earthy nuances. Clear-cut and savory, the 2022 delivers concentrated fruit notes with great energy and focus. More full- than medium-bodied, it’s remarkably balanced and should be drinking beautifully by 2027.

This brooding red opens up with time in the glass, revealing an inviting, smoky, meaty core of ripe plum and black currant layered with smoldering graphite and singed alder. Powered by savory energy and concentration, this shows impressive purity, with a pleasing chewiness to the substantial finish, kept in check by iron-edged tannins and wafting with pretty dried lavender and herbs. Best from 2027 through 2042. 6 cases imported.