The top cuvée of this terrific cooperative, there’s just a tad over 100 cases of the 2005 Hermitage Epsilon produced. Made from 100% Syrah and aged 18 months in barrel, it’s youthful purple color is followed by terrific notes of smoked meats, Peking duck, leafy herbs and black raspberry fruit. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, structured and still tannic, it needs another 2-4 years of cellaring and will have three decades of overall longevity.

A dark, toasty style, with lots of cocoa and mocha up front, followed by a solid core of warm fig bread and currant confiture. The fleshy, loamy finish has the tannic spine of the vintage. Goes for power, but has balance. Should open nicely with moderate cellaring. Best from 2009 through 2016. 125 cases made.??–JM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Hermitage Select to Add