M. Chapoutier : Monier de la Sizeranne 2015

Notes of moss, bramble and leather lend earthen, meaty accents to rich, concentrated black plum in this wine. It's full bodied and plummy but freshly balanced on the palate. The finish is bold, lingering on firm, gripping tannins. It's at its peak now through 2030 but should hold further still.

Really quite closed on the nose, which is no surprise for a 2015 – a massive year that requires long ageing. Huge, powerful, very structured, with great driving tannic mass and terrific concentration. This is more of a classic rendition of Hermitage in its muscle and might compared to the fine and elegant 2016. A dramatic, thunderous vintage of Sizeranne that will age for a long time.

Bright, exotic red cherries and blood oranges with a wealth of flinty, peppery and tarry accents. Strong, mineral core to the palate. Very composed. Plenty of salty plums and blackberries. From organically grown grapes. Drink in 2023.

Inky ruby. Assertive, mineral-accented dark berry, cola and violet pastille scents show outstanding purity and spicy lift and pick up a smoky nuance with air. Juicy and penetrating on the palate, offering intense, spice- and smoke-tinged boysenberry, cherry cola and floral flavors that are given spine and lift by a core of juicy acidity. Finishes sweet, seamless and impressively long, featuring an echo of candied violet and velvety, harmonious tannins that sneak up slowly.

Strong ruby, purple reflections, faint ochre brightening on the rim. Delicate toasted caramel, nuances of liquorice, black cherry, candied orange zest. Juicy, ripe wild berries, sweet cherry, fine tannins, fresh acidity structure, which makes the wine very lively, salty, delicate fine chocolate on the finish with fine wood savouriness. (2021 - 2040).

The entry-level Hermitage, the 2015 Hermitage Monier De La Sizeranne comes from estate vineyards from throughout the appellation. It's loaded with fruit, yet stays firmly planted in Hermitage with its core of minerality. Blackberries, currants, crushed violets and pepper herbs notes all emerge from this sexy, full-bodied, round and supple beauty that's going to drink nicely for 10-15+ years.

A profile defined by black fruits and licorice. The palate is underlined by oak, with a subtle vanilla touch. The mouthfeel is quite broad, with a substance worthy of the appellation. The tannins are nicely coated.