Jeb Dunnuck (93-96)

Inky colored, the 2016 Ermitage Les Dionnières offers classic Hermitage notes of blackcurrants, smoked herbs, violets and toasted spice. It shows more minerality with time in the glass, is deep, rich and concentrated on the palate, has plenty of tannin, and a great finish. This is terrific, but unfortunately, there are only 125 cases produced.

Vinous (96)

Opaque ruby. Highly expressive aromas of black/blue fruit preserves, exotic spices and incense pick up a smoky nuance as the wine opens up. Seamless and broad in the mouth but distinctly energetic as well, offering intense, mineral-inflected black raspberry, bitter cherry and blueberry flavors and a hint of candied violet. Finishes seamless and extremely long, with an echo of juicy blue fruit and harmonious tannins that add gentle grip. This wine is an especially lively example of the vintage; no way I would have guessed that it came from a hot year. (20% whole clusters and 25% new oak)

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.

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

Lastly, the 2016 Ermitage Le Méal is the top wine from Ferraton, and rightly so, as it’s a magical wine in 2016. Rocking notes of black raspberries, blackberries, toasted spices, tapenade, and dry aged beef all emerge from the glass, and it hits the palate with a wealth of material yet stays balanced, layered, and seamless. It's a sensational wine that's up with the top wines of the vintage. Hats off to the team at Ferraton for this remarkable wine as well as their full lineup of wines in 2016.

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.

Wine Advocate (91-93)

Moving to the reds, the 2012 Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone, which was tasted from multiple barrels, offers gorgeous Grenache character with white pepper, green herbs and pine-like notes that are grounded by a superb core of fruit. Medium to full-bodied, beautifully fresh and elegant, it should be an outstanding bottle of wine with 12-15 years of longevity.

The Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone 2013 hails from the prestigious domaine de Pignan vineyards, nestled in the heart of Rhone valley. This peerless crimson elixir embodies high distinctiveness and complexity, a masterpiece crafted by the virtuoso dauntlessly trailblazing under the emblem of Emmanuel Reynaud. This red wine is a harmonious blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault, each vinified separately in concrete tanks before ageing in old casks, revealing a perfect balance of rich, robust flavours and delicate subtlety.

Reputed for its aristocratic tannins and a remarkable, intense cataloupe of dark fruits, hints of leather and notes of spice, the Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone 2013 lingers tantalisingly on the palate. The 2013 vintage offers a radiant, complex expression of this masterful Rhone blend. Evoking a tapestry of fruit complexity and refined elegance, Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone 2013 is a distinguished testament to Rhone's rich winemaking heritage.