I loved the 2012 Hermitage le Meal Estate last year on release, and I loved it this year as well. Its inky color is followed by terrific notes of black raspberries (which I almost always find in wines from le Meal), cassis, graphite, wood smoke and violets. These give way to a full-bodied Hermitage that has beautiful purity of fruit, a streak of vibrant acidity, sweet tannin, and a great finish, all of which will allow it to drink nicely for 15-20 years. - Jeb Dunnuck

This smolders beautifully already, with charcoal, bay and tobacco notes wafting up from the core of mulled currant, fig and blackberry fruit. The long finish lets a ganache accent course through, revealing a tarry underpinning. Best from 2017 through 2028. 85 cases made.–JM