Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage la Maison Bleue 2016 (750ML)

93 JD / 93 WA / 94-96 VM / 94-95 JS

The 2016 Hermitage La Maison Bleue (2,000 cases) 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. - Jeb Dunnuck

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.  Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

(20% new oak) 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. Josh Raynolds - Vinous Media

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. - Jame Suckling