Hints of pastry crust and baked plums mark the nose of Yann Chave's 2019 Hermitage, supported by cedar and wood spice. Mainly from Les Beaumes, it matured in new demi-muids. Full-bodied and intense, with plenty of weight and richness, it's dense and packed with flavor, finishing long and velvety. While relatively approachable, expect it to close up in short order and then drink well again in 5-8 years.

There is so much power and concentration in this Hermitage. Intense aromas of spiced cherries, thyme, earth, smoke, peppercorns, roasted meat, cloves and tobacco leaves. It’s full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. It’s solid and well-built with structure. It has a punchy character throughout with tannins framing and containing the intensity which develops through the long, funnelled and compact finish. From organically grown grapes. Try after 2028.