M. Chapoutier : Monier de la Sizeranne 2021

An earthy, sanguine version, with notes of singed bacon fat and tobacco leaf and a tug of tar, all gliding alongside steeped cherry. Its red tea tannins have softened nicely, and there's a racy edge to the finish, with energy and savory herb details. Drink now through 2040. 50 cases imported.

Aromatically really quite light, red-fruited – raspberry and redcurrant. Really quite lean for a Hermitage, and built around acidity rather than fruit, alcohol or tannin. It does have some length and elegance, but it doesn’t speak clearly of Hermitage – it lacks the weight, concentration or tannic structure you might expect. Enjoyably fresh, however.

A well-composed, textural and vivid Hermitage. It reveals notes of wild berries, dried herbs, crushed stones, bark and baking spices on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Broad but focused, with a velvety core of forest berries and spices. There is a juiciness here with a fresh, precise finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.

Cask sample. Smoky and sweet red fruits, plum and dark fruits beneath. The palate has a subtle smoke note, tight, taut and fine tannins, good freshness and brightness. Lots of energy with a savoury note beneath. An earthy note on the ripe and sweet finish. Still quite a dense and rich style. (AC)

The 2021 Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne uses grapes from vines up to 50 years old. Red-fruited, spicy and earthy, the medium-bodied 2021 shows good flavor concentration. Gently structured by ripe tannins, this juicy red can be enjoyed straight away and has all the elements needed to gain complexity with a bit of cellaring.

The 2021 Hermitage Monier De La Sizeranne excels in the vintage and is certainly worth seeking out. Mostly destemmed (10% stems) and raised in 20% new oak, it has a beautiful nose of ripe redcurrants, black raspberries, smoked game, and violets, with some classic peppery, meaty notes emerging with air. Medium-bodied and balanced, with good ripeness as well as mid-palate depth, drink this beauty over the coming 15-20 years.