Fayolle Hermitage Les Diognieres Rouge

The Wine Advocate"Cedar and cracked pepper notes mark the nose of the fully destemmed 2019 Hermitage les Dionnieres, backed by ripe blueberries and black cherries. Smooth, ripe and creamy in feel, this full-bodied yet supple Hermitage looks to be a top-flight effort. With the concentration and balance evidenced on the long, silky finish, it's delicious now and should still be going strong well into the next decade." - 94 point

Decanter"A fresh, lifted, intense nose with star anise, incense, and clove among the black fruits. Very powerful but not massively full-bodied, the alcohol however is high. Though fine, the tannins just a little hard, and there's a touch of slightly drying oak tannin. Finishes long and will be good in time. The oak influence is pronounced but it works with the wine. From a 0.28ha plot in lieu-dit Les Dionnières at the foot of the hill. 60-year-old vines, all destemmed. Vinified in open demi-muids, manual punching down two or three times a day. Followed by malolactic fermentation and 14 months ageing in barriques." - 95 point

Wine Spectator"Inviting, with warm plum compote and cherry pâte de fruit notes laced with melted red licorice, red tea, fruitcake and floral accents. The nice polished feel through the finish adds to the flattering style. Best from 2023" - 94 point