(Aged in Dominique Laurent's "magic casks") Medium ruby. Wonderfully aromatic nose of cassis, smoked meat, gunflint and violet. Silky-sweet and pliant; considerably more generous in the mouth today than the Cote-Rotie. But then this is more a "wine of the sun", says Tardieu, from vines facing full south. Suave and superb. Finishes with lush tannins and lovely subtle sweetness from the oak.

Opulent Hermitage that blends local terroir with an international style. Full-bodied, rich and ripe, it cascades with blackberries, raspberries and grilled and toasted notes. But the heavy oak treatment gives it a firm tannin structure and a slightly hard finish that will need time to soften. Best from 2005 through 2015.