Domaine du Colombier, Hermitage 2017

From vines on clay-limestone soils in lieux dits Beaumes and Diognières, the fruit is fermented in concrete than aged for 18 months in demi-muids, 30% new and 70% second use. Rosemary and juniper sit amongst lifted blackberry and black cherry fruit. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated yet very fresh and lively, without excess oak or extraction. It buzzes with energy; lifted and drinkable. Really fresh, precise and crisp tannins lead to a long, saline and dynamic finish. A good year for Domaine du Colombier.

Lastly, the 2017 Hermitage got a big “wow” in the notes and boasts a powerful, concentrated style to go with sensational Hermitage notes of crème de cassis, scorched earth, and crushed rocks. It’s a sexy, voluptuous beauty that does everything right.

Colombier's 2017 Hermitage starts off a bit lifted and minty on the nose, but those elements are balanced by the wine's huge fruit. Waves of concentrated cherry and raspberry flavors wash over the full-bodied palate, pummeled into shape by equally big tannins. This is promising, but it deserves a few more years of cellaring.

Deep, brilliant violet. Powerful, mineral- and smoke-tinged black and blue fruits, potpourri and incense aromas pick up a spicy nuance as the wine opens up. Densely packed cherry, cassis and blueberry flavors show excellent clarity and building energy. Finishes impressively long and spicy, with youthfully gripping tannins and a suave, lingering candied violet quality. This is a rare bottling, from a single barrique, that is available at a single retailer in France.