The black/blue-colored 2010 Ermitage Les Dionnieres comes from sedimentary soils on the lower slopes of Hermitage Hill. Exhibiting copious aromas of blue and black fruits, white chocolate, charcoal and forest floor, this rich, full-bodied, powerful wine possesses sweet tannins. It should drink well for 20+ years. The quality of Ferraton’s wines has been increasing with nearly every new vintage thanks to the efforts of Michel Chapoutier and his number one assistant, P.H. Morel, who has the responsibilities for these wines. I have included a few Southern Rhones that were not reviewed in Issue #203. Some of the 2011 white wines are in bottle, but the more serious cuvees are still in barrel. Ferraton produced four lieu-dit offerings in 2011, which I tasted with Michel Chapoutier and Pierre-Henri Morel. Importer: A French Paradox, Peoria, IL; tel. (309) 682-8994