Leading off the Hermitage releases, the 2012 Hermitage Cuvee des Miaux is a complex, medium-bodied, elegant Hermitage that exhibits plenty of black cherry, black raspberry and cassis fruit intermixed with saddle leather, ground pepper and spring flowers. It's balanced, has a light, weightless texture and outstanding length, yet is slightly lean through the middle. While I hoped for a little more from barrel, it's certainly outstanding and can be drunk anytime over the coming decade.