The inky black/purple-colored 2014 Ermitage l’Ermite is more firm, backward and mineral driven than the sexier Pavillon, offering fabulous notes of scorched earth, wood smoke, crushed violets, and both blackcurrant and crème de cassis. An utterly profound effort, it defines the more charming nature of the vintage, displaying building tannin and one seriously long finish. Forget bottles for 5-7 years and enjoy over the following two decades.

This has a solid bass line, with notes of anise, blackberry and plum steeped together, carried by a grippy, cocoa-edged structure. The back half is all cut and drive, showing brambly energy and a lovely singed juniper element. Best from 2018 through 2032. 10 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Ermitage Select to Add