2018 Hermitage AOC "Les Bessards", Rhône, France

Firm and deep aroma of ripe black berries with a hint of cherries, pepper, a hint of smoky bacon, meat, hints of tobacco, cocoa, Mediterranean herbs and a little black olives. Concentrated, tightly knit, very ripe dark fruit with some toasty and bitter chocolate notes, lots of pepper, dried herbs and juniper, bacony tones in the background, some coffee and bitter chocolate, present, youthful, ripe tannins, deep and multilayered, powerful body, but the enormous alcohol does not throw the wine off track, long, firm finish with dark juice, lots of bitter chocolate, some soot and peppery ethereal spice. Needs to mature.

Best to drink: 2027-2040+. What our ratings mean