Scents of crushed stone, licorice and black cherries appear on the nose of the 2019 Ermitage Les Dionnières. Joined by hints of cedar and vanilla, this is a full-bodied, concentrated effort that deserves some time in the cellar to round into form, as the lengthy finish delivers plenty of ripe but dusty tannins.

Opaque violet color. Spice-accented aromas of black raspberry, cherry preserves and smoky minerals, along with floral and vanilla nuances. Appealingly sweet and expansive on the palate, showing smoky mineral lift and sharp focus to its juicy, spice-laced black and blue fruit, vanilla and olive paste flavors, which deepen on the back half. Finishes pliant and spicy, with a solid mineral thrust, well-knit tannins and resonating blue fruit and floral character. 25% new oak.