Domaine du Colombier : Hermitage 2022

Good purity of blackcurrant and blackberry fruit, this is smooth and silky, with measured tannins and balanced alcohol. Tannins are fine and ripe, the extraction has been well managed. A long, tapered and elegant Hermitage, not powerful, but charming and drinkable. Spends 18 months in demi-muids, 30% new, the rest one year old.

Vinified in concrete. Aged for 18 months in demi-muids, 30% new and 70% second use. Cask sample. Tasted blind. Aromas of violet and crème de cassis. There is a zippy core of freshness on the palate alongside sweet cassis and firm tannins. Very taut and introverted, violet notes come through on the mid palate. A medium-weight attractive style with a hit of clove and black pepper on the finish. (AC)

The 2022 Hermitage aged for 18 months in French oak demi-muids (30% new). Fragrant blood orange, black cherry, rose water, crushed violet, cedar and a touch of licorice are all turned up in the glass. The full-bodied, energetic 2022 touches the palate with substantial freshness, rounding things up with excellent energy on the complex finish.

I loved the 2022 Hermitage, which has that classic Hermitage sense of class and structure. Ripe red and black fruits, crushed stone, leather, flowers, and smoky, graphite-like notes all shine in this beauty, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a concentrated, layered mouthfeel, plenty of tannins, and a great finish. Aged 18 months in 30% new demi-muids, this aristocratic, flawlessly balanced, structured Hermitage will benefit from just 2-4 years in the cellar and see its 20th birthday in fine form. Drink 2027-2042.