Aged entirely in barriques (25% new), the 2016 Ermitage le Pavillon shows only a hint of warm pencil shavings on the nose, beautifully setting up notes of fresh blackcurrants. Full-bodied, concentrated and plush across the mid-palate, it turns rich and velvety on the nearly endless finish, marked by savory notes of beef, licorice and espresso. If you wish to catch a glimpse of this wine's greatness, it would be no crime to open a bottle upon release, as I suspect it will close down for a number of years soon afterward.

Smoldering black tea, bay leaf and tobacco hints swirl around a core of gently mulled black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors, ending with singed mesquite and sassafras notes. Sneakily long. This will take time to unwind in the cellar. Best from 2021 through 2040. 48 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Ermitage Select to Add