2020 Hermitage, Domaine du Colombier

The cream of the Domaine’s cellar is their Hermitage, a classically powerful, firmly structured Syrah for long-keeping. The grapes come from 3 plots on the Hermitage hill, with 50% whole bunches used for fermentation, the wine currently maturing in large demi muid barrels (30% new oak). Opaque purple in the glass, aromas are very beautiful and super-intense, recalling cherry blossom, black fruits and spiced plums. Palate is full and impressively structured, having complex layers of flavour. High levels of ripe tannins and tight concentration will ensure a fine future for this wine (for drinking 2026-2040+).