2008 Hermitage

A solid wine in the vintage, the 2008 Tardieu-Laurent Hermitage, from the lieux-dits of Rouméas, Les Murets, Beaumen, and Le Méal, aged all in new French oak, shows a deep red color to go with fresh, edgy aromas of smoked meat, toasted spice, cracked black pepper, leather, and both black and red fruits. While leaning towards the fresh end of the spectrum, there’s good ripeness and richness here as well. These characteristics carry over to the palate as well, where the wine is medium-bodied with crisp acids, a focused, delineated profile, and solid fruit that builds in the mouth and carries into a solid, very well done finish. Delicious now, this should continue to evolve for 3-4 years, and have a solid 10-12+ year drink window.

Deep ruby. Pungent, spice-accented aromas of red and dark berries, with subtle floral and mineral nuances adding complexity. Sappy, incisive raspberry and cassis flavors show decent concentration and gain smokiness and floral character with air. An elegant, restrained, mineral-driven wine that finishes brisk and with very good, spicy length. This wine has filled in since last year but is still a relatively lithe take on Hermitage that will strike those who prize power as light; I really like its balance and precision.

Saturated ruby. Blackcurrant, raspberry and floral aromas are lifted by high-toned spices. The palate offers good energy and decent intensity to the spicy flavors of brambly dark berries and cola. A juicy midweight wine that offers lively fruit but seems a bit hollow. Finishes with good grip and a hint of black pepper. This is aging in all new barriques