A brilliant offering that could easily compete with the best growers’ Hermitage is the 2010 Hermitage Epsilon. Perhaps the greatest wine I have ever tasted from a cooperative, it flirts with perfection. An inky/black/purple color is accompanied by copious aromas of blackberries, creme de cassis, camphor, charcoal, white flowers and toasty oak. Packaged in a heavy duty glass bottle with a wax capsule, this wine should be reasonably drinkable in 7-10 years and should last for 25-30 years. Kudos to this coop. This cooperative located on the outskirts of the village of Tain l’Hermitage is one of France’s finest coops, producing some of the Northern Rhone’s most astonishing wines. They are reviewed below in the order in which I tasted them. I was knocked-out by the quality of their two cuvees of 2010 Hermitage. The Crozes-Hermitage selections are very strong in 2010 and above average to good in 2011. The 2010s rachet up the level of richness and intensity. The St.-Joseph cuvees are all strong efforts. No known American importer.

A frankly ripe, lush style, featuring linzer torte and blackberry paste flavors lined with ganache, roasted fig and espresso notes. Dark baker's chocolate cloaks the finish, though the lush fruit sits in reserve. Not shy, this might be a bit heady for some, but shows impressive depth nonetheless. Best from 2015 through 2025. 125 cases made, 21 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Hermitage Select to Add