Hermitage Rouge "Farconnet," Chave - 2018

An adept Syrah, dense aromas of cigar box live large on the palate magnified by dollops of white pepper, thick with crushed plums and a youthful, roughened texture. This is a dark Hermitage, sinful to drink now, but one that will reward after years in the cellar. The Syrah for this wine comes from three unique sites on Hermitage Hill. Three different soils' compositions impart individual attributes to the wine. Sandy clay and pebbly soils from the base of the hill provide notes of peppery spice and sand; limestone, from a site further up the hill, provides elegant structure; and from Greffreux, at the base of Le Meal, large river stones impart the flesh and substance in this hearty red. Chave always vinifies very traditionally, using old oak vats.