Delas Domaine des Tourettes Hermitage 2015

"The 2015 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes comes from Bessards and the Grandes Vignes lieux-dits (both on the western side of the appellation and consisting of pure granite soils), and will see 18 months in roughly 30% new French oak. Notes of powdered rocks, black cherries, currants, licorice and new saddle leather all flow to a full-bodied, silky, yet rich and sexy Hermitage that has sweet tannin and no hard edges. It's not the most massive wine in the vintage, yet it has gorgeous purity and is impeccably balanced."

"An extremely rich brambly blackberry, orange zest and chocolate nose with sweet earthiness and dark slate-like stones. The palate unfurls sweet and ripe red berry fruits. The oak is a little caramelized. Appealing fruit. Best from 2020."

While the Les Bessards gets all the attention, the 2015 Hermitage Domaine Des Tourettes isn't far behind and is unquestionably the value play. Beef blood, cassis, blackberry liqueur and loads of crushed rock nuances all emerge from this ripe, concentrated, full-bodied Hermitage that has a classic, structured profile. It's well worth a case purchase and will keep for two to three decades. As always, this cuvée comes from two parcels, the lower part of the Bessards lieu-dit and the Les Grandes Vignes located at the highest point on Hermitage Hill. It’s completely destemmed and sees 16 months in 30% new French oak.