An excellent Hermitage with the imposing structure we expect from this appellation, but also excellent balance. Stacks of elderberry and pepper, and also a touch of leather. So much depth and expression, but not a jot overbearing or heavy. In spite of the serious tannins at the finish there are wonderful flashes of red and black berry fruit. From blocks with granitic and sedimentary soils. Some whole bunch. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.

Chapoutier's blended Hermitage rouge is the 2020 Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne, largely sourced from les Bessards, Greffieux, le Méal and les Beaumes. Hints of beef drippings accent blackberry, raspberry and cassis on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is surprisingly silky and elegant, suggesting it will drink well soon after release.

Delivers a lovely core of a?aí berry, plum and blackberry fruit flavors coated with bittersweet cocoa and carried by a long, loamy spine. The finish is underscored by tobacco and alder accents as the fruit sails through. Best from 2024 through 2038. 75 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Hermitage Select to Add

Blended from the lieux-dits of les Bessards, Greffieux, le Méal and les Beaumes, Chapoutier's 2019 Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne offers up scents of cedar, leather, spice, dried cherries and fresh plums. It's full-bodied, rich and almost creamy on the palate, then softly dusty on the long finish. While not as concentrated or cellar-worthy as the various selections parcellaires, it's still a worthy effort, not an afterthought.

Potentially the best recent vintage of this cuvée, the 2018 Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne boasts scents of violets, raspberries and some herbal, tea-like notes. For a Hermitage, it comes across as having almost the elegance of a Cote Rotie. It's full-bodied but supple, turning plush and velvety on the long finish.