The 2012 Hermitage shows the richness of this appellation, with masculine, muscular aromas and flavors of graphite, cracked pepper, smoked earth and copious black and blue fruits. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, with ample tannin and concentration, it’s a big wine that will need short-term cellaring to become approachable. Give it 3-4 years and enjoy over the following 12-15 years. Proprietor Michel Tardieu makes a bevy of high-class efforts from throughout the entire Rhone Valley. While the focus here is on his Northern Rhone releases, I reviewed a number of his Southern Rhone bottlings in Issues 209 and 210. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661