The full-bodied 2018 Ermitage Les Dionnières shows the effects of the vineyard location and a hot year in its concentrated scents of black olives, dark chocolate and baked plums. Yet despite the ripeness, this broad, expansive wine is remarkably drinkable, showing a rich, velvety texture and surprising freshness on the long finish.

Glass-staining magenta. Aromas of ripe, smoke-tinged dark berries, licorice and pungent flowers are sharpened by building mineral and spice flourishes. Broad and fleshy on the palate, offering lush cherry liqueur, blackberry and violet pastille flavors along with cracked pepper and salty olive nuances. Shows impressive energy for its heft and finishes spicy and impressively long, displaying excellent clarity, building tannins and resonating florality. (all de-stemmed fruit and 20% new oak)