Vinous (93)

Opaque ruby. Smoke- and spice-accented scents of cherry liqueur, blueberry and violet are complicated by hints of olive paste and pipe tobacco. Juicy and broad on the palate, offering intense, deeply concentrated black and blue fruit and licorice flavors and a spicy touch of cracked pepper. Comes off elegant and precise for the vintage, finishing with solid thrust, excellent persistence and smooth, harmonious tannins.

Wine Advocate - Robert Parker (95)

The cream of the lineup is the 2013 Hermitage le Méal. Not harvested until October and aged 18 months in 20% new oak, it has killer notes of jammy blackberry, black raspberry, crushed rocks, garrigue and olive tapenade. Possessing that kiss of sweet fruit that’s common from this warmer terroir, this medium to full-bodied Hermitage has gorgeously pure fruit, no hard edges, fine tannin and a great finish. It will cruise for two decades.

Vinous (92)

Bright purple. Powerful, highly perfumed aromas of black and blue fruit liqueur, olive and potpourri, along with mineral and floral overtones. Stains the palate with juicy cassis and boysenberry flavors, while a sweet violet pastille nuance lends an exotic touch. Youthful tannins lend shape a very long, chewy, mineral-accented finish that shows outstanding power and repeating florality.

Jeb Dunnuck (98+)

More bloody meat, black raspberries, wood smoke, spice, and truffle notes emerge from the 2017 Hermitage Le Méal, a massive, opulent effort that has loads of opulence and fruit, building tannins, a gorgeous mid-palate, and a monster finish. It's one of the finest wines I've tasted from this estate! It’s already approachable yet promises to evolve gracefully for 20-25 years or more.

Wine Spectator (94)

A rich, velvety style, with lush fig, blackberry and black currant fruit driven by warm ganache, singed anise and roasted espresso notes. An iron thread propels the finish.

Vinous (92)

Glass-staining ruby. Vibrant red and dark berry, spicecake and potpourri aromas on the intensely perfumed nose. Sappy and broad on the palate, offering appealingly sweet black raspberry, floral pastille and cola flavors buffered by lively acidity and a hint of smoky minerals. Closes smooth, sweet, gently tannic and very long, conveying further suggestions of spicecake and cola.

Vinous (92)

Lurid ruby. Powerful, smoke-accented dark fruit preserve, violet, licorice and cracked pepper aromas develop a hint of olive as the wine opens up. Round and weighty on the palate, offering sweet black currant and cherry pie flavors and a touch of succulent herbs. The peppery note comes back strong on the clinging finish, which is framed by smooth, mounting tannins. While this lush wine checks in at 15% alcohol, I didn't notice it.

Behold, Fondreche Ventoux Divergente 2015, an exquisite Old World wine crown jewel. Crafted near the Mount Ventoux in Southeastern Rhône, its birthplace contributes a unique and robust terroir. The acclaimed winemaker, Sebastien Vincenti, who follows organic and biodynamic practices, carefully oversees the process. This beauty is a culmination of 100% Grenache, aged in cement tanks to maintain the purity of fruit and expression of the soil.

Fondreche Ventoux Divergente 2015 is a matured vintage with immense ageing potential of another decade or two and its low production makes it highly sought-after. Its deeply intense, complex character offers an enticing nose of black fruit, kirsch, truffle and lavender, effortlessly reaching a broad palate with prominent tannic structure and long finish. Bold yet elegant, this wine signifies the epitome of Ventoux’s potential. Revel in the formidable balance of this divine nectar, a testament to harmonious winemaking.

Jeb Dunnuck (97)

Reminding me of one of the Sélections Parcellaires Hermitage from Michel Chapoutier, the 2016 Ventoux Divergente is 90% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre that was mostly destemmed and brought up in foudre. Crème de cassis, black raspberries, peppered meats, graphite, and liquid rock notes all flow to a fat, unctuous, sexy Syrah that has beautiful acidity, fine tannin, and a huge finish. It's a true “Wow” wine that needs to be tasted to be believed. Put this in a blind lineup of top Hermitage and shock all your friends.

The Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone 1993 exemplifies the excellence of vintage French wines. Produced by Domaine du Rayas, a notable estate in Rhone Valley, this fine spirit embodies precision, grace and longevity. Revered viticulturist Jacques Reynaud was at the realm when Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone 1993 was made, employing traditional practices to intoxicate senses.

Emanating from the heart of the Rhône Valley, the Gibraud family-owned vineyards, this wine showcases the richness of Grenache grapes, benefiting from the region’s diverse, historic terroir. The old vines, mostly untouched by modern viticulture, yield character-infused grapes to create the artisanal, signature blend.

Boasting a vibrant, ruby colour, this delicate wine rewards the palate with notes of ripe fruit, sweet spice and tannins, culminating in a harmoniously prolonged finish. Enjoy the Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone 1993's grandeur, a charming reverie of French winemaking’s golden era.

Vinous (90-92)

Light red. Sexy, fragrant scents of Moroccan spices, dried strawberry, raspberry and minerals, plus a whiff of cherry skin. Very sexy, sweet red fruit flavors are perked up by blood orange and smoky minerals, with dusty tannins adding support. Impressively pure and focused wine with excellent finishing clarity and a whiplash of cinnamon. This reminded me of a high-end Pernand-Vergelesses.

Vinous (92)

Vivid red. Spicy raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by incense, lavender and pungent herbs. Pliant red fruit flavors are deepened by candied licorice and bitter chocolate, with bright acidity adding lift. The tightly focused, energetic, impressively persistent finish leaves tangy mineral and bitter cherry skin notes behind.