M. Chapoutier : Les Greffieux 2020

A superb, sultry red, with power, density and serious mineral lift. Shows a hefty swath of crushed cherry, plum and red currant paste flavors that are overtaken by smoke, iron and graphite. Smolders through a pure, lengthy finish gilded with mesquite smoke, grilled apple wood and hints of mint chocolate. Everything comes together on the mouthcoating, expertly knit palate. Drink now through 2040. 492 cases made, 10 cases imported.

Attractive fruity perfume straight away, ripe blackberries. There’s an inner sweetness to the fruit, the alcohol is raised, adding a little more sweetness. Generous roundness, a very accessible and juicy style of Hermitage. Great tannic ripeness and generous in load, but feels a little bit too ripe and easy to promise great future complexity. Pleasure though? Undoubtedly.

What a sensual Hermitage this is. So ripe and so silky on the rich yet beautifully balanced palate. In spite of the enormous depth this has a certain lightness of touch. Very long, velvety finish. And yes, this also has wonderful black fruit aromas with delicate smoky and peppery nuances. From a vineyard with a Rhone sedimentary soil. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.

The 2020 Ermitage Les Greffieux is dominated by bold, forward fruit. Blackberries, cassis and blueberries flow in waves here, as this parcel has less granite than L’Ermite and Le Pavillon. It’s full-bodied but still structured, with fine-grained tannins and a long, silky-textured finish.