Belle's impressive 2017 Hermitage had been blended but not yet bottled at the time of my trip. As always, it's marked by new oak notes of vanilla, menthol and baking spices, but it also boasts massive fruit—mainly ripe red raspberries, but there are some darker notes of plum as well. Full-bodied and creamy textured in the mouth, it remains fresh and spicy on the silky, lingering finish, picking up delectable hints of licorice. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.