Potentially the best recent vintage of this cuvée, the 2018 Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne boasts scents of violets, raspberries and some herbal, tea-like notes. For a Hermitage, it comes across as having almost the elegance of a Cote Rotie. It's full-bodied but supple, turning plush and velvety on the long finish.

Spice box, granite-like minerality, new leather, liquid rock, and cassis notes all emerge from the 2018 Hermitage Monier De La Sizeranne, and this cuvée continues to improve in just about every vintage. Giving up loads of fruit, classic Hermitage power and richness, and loads of tannin, it's going to have some upfront charm yet also evolve for two decades or more.

Glass-staining ruby. An exotically perfumed bouquet evokes ripe, smoke-tinged red and dark berries, pit fruits, candied flowers, allspice and licorice. Juicy and broad on the palate, offering appealingly sweet cherry-cola, black raspberry and fruitcake flavors that are underscored by a smoky mineral quality. Finishes long and smooth, with building energy, sneaky tannins and resonating spice and floral notes.