Deep, saturated ruby. Intensely spicy aromas of blackberry, bitter cherry, tobacco and minerals, with a complicating note of black pepper that became more pronounced with air. This is quite fresh and lively for the vintage, showing tangy red and dark berry flavors and a solid, chewy texture. Finishes with considerable finesse.

Saturated ruby. Deep, pure, extremely primary aromas of blackberry, blueberry, licorice and camphor, along with a suggestion of exotic spices. Quite suave on entry, then huge, sweet and superconcentrated, coating every nook and cranny of the palate. With an almost medicinal austerity, this very young Hermitage is almost bitter-edged today. But its impressive fullness in the mouth and consistency of texture from start to finish go beyond anything produced by Jaboulet in recent years.