Hermitage, Le Greal, 2011

Made from 50% whole bunch fermented Syrah then aged in 2-3-year-old oak barrels. Deep, bright white pepper and bramble nose, lots of fruit with a fine, polished tannic grip. Very open ripe cherry, bramble fruit with a faint touch of oak spice. Peppery, ripe and fruity, a very well constructed Hermitage; solid without being austere. 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.