Assertive black raspberry, cherry, peony, apricot(!) and exotic spice aromas show fine definition and a touch of smoky minerality. Gently sweet, palate-staining black/blue fruit, spicecake and floral pastille flavors deepen with air and take on a licorice nuance and a spicy topnote. Rich but energetic as well, finishing with bright, minerally cut on a persistent finish that features youthfully gripping tannins and sexy floral and spice flourishes. This is shaping up to be the most impressive version of this bottling that I have ever tasted.

When a so-called entry-level wine performs at this level, you know that producer has had a stupendous year. The 2015 Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne is full-bodied, rich and concentrated, with loads of cassis fruit and masses of ripe tannin. To top it off, some meaty, savory notes creep in on the long finish, imparting some intriguing complexity.

Notes of moss, bramble and leather lend earthen, meaty accents to rich, concentrated black plum in this wine. It's full bodied and plummy but freshly balanced on the palate. The finish is bold, lingering on firm, gripping tannins. It's at its peak now through 2030 but should hold further still.

The entry-level hermitage, the 2015 Hermitage Monier De La Sizeranne comes from estate vineyards from throughout the appellation. It's loaded with fruit, yet stays firmly planted in Hermitage with its core of minerality. Blackberries, currants, crushed violets and pepper herbs notes all emerge from this sexy, full-bodied, round and supple beauty that's going to drink nicely for 10-15+ years.