Ermitage Greffieux, Maison M. Chapoutier 2018

Certainly the most plush and sexy of the 2018 single vineyard releases, the 2018 Ermitage Les Greffieux is all Syrah from the more sedimentary soils at the base of the Le Méal hillside and was destemmed and brought up in a mix of barrels and demi-muids, with just 20% being new. Its dense purple color is followed by a smorgasbord-like array of black raspberries, smoked game, bouquet garni, violets, and high-end leather. Ripe, sexy and textured on the palate, it still has a weightless mouthfeel, building tannins, and a great finish. It's not quite as massive or concentrated as the 2006, but it's certainly a gorgeous Hermitage. Forget bottles for 4-6 years and enjoy over the following two decades.

Always with an almost southern character, the 2018 Ermitage Les Greffieux comes from a lieu-dit just at the base of the Méal hillside. Its deep black color is followed by a killer bouquet of black and blue fruits, cured meats, ground herbs, chocolate, and graphite that opens up beautifully with time in the glass. Deep, rich, and just straight-up massive on the palate, it has sweet tannins, thrilling purity of fruit, and a monster of a finish. Is this going to match or surpass the 2006?