2016 Jaboulet Hermitage La Maison Bleue

Jeb Dunnuck 93

The 2016 Hermitage La Maison Bleue comes from vines on the eastern side of the appellation and more sedimentary and limestone soils. This deep ruby/purple-colored beauty gives up loads of black raspberry, toasted spiced, incense, and crushed rock aromatics. This flows to a ripe, sexy, medium to full-bodied Hermitage that has moderate tannins, a layered, beautifully pure, elegant, even charming texture, and a great finish. It's already approachable yet will have 10-15 years of prime drinking. (December, 2018)

James Suckling 94-95

This is a juicy and flavorful young wine with dusty and polished tannins. Lots of wild fruit and dark-berry and volcanic/salt undertones. Flavorful finish. (August, 2018)

Vinous Media (Josh Raynolds) 94-96

Saturated bright-rimmed ruby. Seductive, mineral-tinged aromas of red and blue preserves, cola, violet pastille and olive paste, along with a spicy topnote. Black raspberry and cherry liqueur flavors display excellent energy and depth, a subtle spicecake accent and zesty back-end cut. Deftly plays richness off vivacity and shows no excess fat. Finishes with persistent cherry and floral notes, supple tannins and strong, spicy persistence. (June, 2018)

Wine Advocate (Joe Czerwinski) 93

The charming, already drinkable 2016 Hermitage La Maison Bleue comes from the eastern portion of the appellation. Raspberries and cherries lead the way in this full-bodied, velvety, lush offering, picking up subtle hints of baking spices on the long, silky finish. (October, 2018)