Hermitage Rouge, Domaine du Colombier Hermitage 2016

Aged 18 months in 30% demi-muids, the 2016 Hermitage comes from the Beaume and Diognières lieux-dits on Hermitage Hill and spent 18 months in 30% new demi-muids. Its saturated ruby/purple color is followed by a flamboyant, opulent wine that has more density and depth than most in the vintage. Black raspberries, olive tapenade, spring flowers, and crushed violet notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied, rounded, sexy 2016 that has beautiful purity of fruit, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's another beautiful wine from this estate that doesn't get the recognition it deserves. Give this 2-3 years and enjoy over the following 10-15 years (although it will keep longer). 2020 - 2035

Looking better out of bottle than what I tasted out of barrel last year, Colombier's 2016 Hermitage features aromas of crushed stone, pencil shavings and cassis. Full-bodied, concentrated and intense without being overly tannic, it's finely balanced and long on the finish. 2020 - 2035