Hermitage La Maison Bleue, Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aine 2020

Expressive dark-fruit nose with cassis notes to the fore. Silky attack and texture, the tannins finely edged. Rich but fresh despite the alcohol. Lacks the gravitas of grand Hermitage but accessible earlier. 2025-2035

Mostly sourced from les Murets, the 2020 Hermitage La Maison Bleue is a solid effort, with appealing notes of blackberries, raspberries and espresso on the nose. It's full-bodied and rich, yet streamlined and focused, with savory tones of black olives appearing on the softly dusty finish. It should drink well young, yet age well for more than a decade. 2023-2035