The dense ruby/purple-colored 2006 Hermitage smells of pen ink, creme de cassis, earth, and truffles. The wine has medium to full body, with rich, pure fruit, excellent density, and good acidity in the finish. Overall, it is a very elegant style of wine. This high-quality negociant operation, started by Burgundian Dominique Laurent and his southern sidekick, the charismatic Michel Tardieu, continues to turn out high-class wines from purchased wine. Front man Michel Tardieu seems to know some of the finest growers in the Rhone, and he is willing to pay top dollar in order to get the stuff he wants.Importers: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808 and Stacole Fine Wines, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 998-0029

Exotic and alluring, with gorgeous incense, spice bread and crushed boysenberry and raspberry aromas and flavors. Long and silky, but with impressive underlying grip. Ganache, melted licorice and tar notes extend the finish. Best from 2010 through 2020. 475 cases made.??–JM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Hermitage Select to Add

Oaky nose, quite international in style, but mineral, earthy too, complex.