A polished, refined and textural Hermitage. Berries, tobacco leaves, forest floor, smoked meat and baking spices on the nose, following through to a medium body with very fine and polished tannins. Intense but always in control, with a lovely core of peppercorns. Funneled and so precise, with a long finish. Drink or hold.

(WA94-96 points) Looking at the 2014 reds, the 2014 Hermitage is resting as a final blend and is scheduled to be bottled early next year. It has a serious floral character as well as the classic minerality imparted from the Bessards lieu-dit (which makes up the bulk of the cuvée), gorgeous depth of fruit, medium to full-bodied richness and fine, polished tannin. Like most 2014s, it will be approachable at an early age, but this beauty has class and will evolve gracefully. - Jeb Dunnuck

This starts strong, with warm ganache, steeped fig and crushed blackberry flavors, then gains steam, picking up smoldering charcoal, bay leaf and juniper accents as the wine drives and expands through the finish. Offers a long echo of graphite, with the fruit keeping pace. Very impressive for the vintage. Best from 2020 through 2040. — J.M.