The cream of the lineup is the 2013 Hermitage le Méal. Not harvested until October and aged 18 months in 20% new oak, it has killer notes of jammy blackberry, black raspberry, crushed rocks, garrigue and olive tapenade. Possessing that kiss of sweet fruit that’s common from this warmer terroir, this medium to full-bodied Hermitage has gorgeously pure fruit, no hard edges, fine tannin and a great finish. It will cruise for two decades.

Inky ruby. Expressive aromas of fresh boysenberry, licorice, olive and peppery spices are joined by a smoky quality that builds in the glass. Sappy and energetic in the mouth, offering concentrated black and blue fruit flavors complemented by a floral pastille quality. Shows a suave blend of richness and vibrancy, with no rough edges. Smooth tannins come up slowly on the very long, velvety finish. -Josh Raynolds