Hermitage, Le Greal, 2010

Made from 50% whole bunch fermented Syrah then aged in two- to three-year-old oak barrels, ripe and very open-knit fruit with great underlying power and force, notes of ripe bramble, plum, coal dust, liquorice, vanilla pod and star anise. A blend of 90% Meal and 10% Greffieux planted on mainly limestone soils that certainly seem to give this distinguished Hermitage its remarkable balance and finesse.