Domaine du Colombier 2022 Hermitage, Rhone Valley

To know some of the world’s best Syrah one must absolutely know Hermitage, the steepest and most revered region in France’s northern Rhone. Here the vines are planted on hillsides so steep that mechanical picking is impossible. Here the Syrah is noble, regal, statuesque and littered with brooding fruit, smoked meat and elegant violets. Hermitage is extremely rare and this is no exception, only 30 cases brought to the United States. Grill or stew up some lamb, beef or earthy mushrooms and, treat yourself.

Hermitage is the northern Rhone’s greatest terroir, a sort of Colossus of Rhone.  Wines from Hermitage (the reds are entirely made of Syrah) can age 30 years or more, which usually can’t be said for most Syrahs from Cote-Rotie or Cornas.  Many owners own small parcels within Hermitage, many with not enough acreage to make large volumes of wine.  But when you are privileged to encounter an Hermitage, it’s a real occasion.  The nose, the flavor!  Smoked meat, red fruits (not the blueberry/violet you get in Cote-Rotie and some Saint-Joseph.  Ample texture, and complex flavors of black fruits with a slight woodsy character.  Elegant structure with beautiful balance.  This is a pretty Hermitage.