From: Hermitage, Northern Rhone, France
Blend/Grape Varietal: Syrah
Taste: The color shows brilliant, deep red hues. The nose is powerful and complex, expressing blackberries, spices and leather. On the palate, "Domaine des Tourettes" is firm but silky, with a tightly-knit tannic structure that is the hallmark of wines that have a great future.
Critical Acclaim
TP 96 Tasting Panel
Aged in new and used French oak, this dynamic wine was made with grapes grown in south-facing vineyards on the famous hill that overlooks the town of Tain, where the soils are granite with alluvial delta deposits and Pliocene marl. Aromas of grilled meat and cedar are apparent, as are scents of cigar leaf and black cherry. The tannins are velvety yet well structured, and flavors of blackberry are spiced with black pepper and leather
WE 94 Wine Enthusiast
This intensely ripe but vibrant Syrah highlights plump black-currant and blackberry flavors as well as delicate notes of toasted nut, smoke and cedar. Fine, feathery tannins and an ample fruit profile suggest an expression of Hermitage that’s approachable in youth but will continue to gain perfume and depth with age as well.
JS 93 James Suckling
Fresh dry stones, boot polish, iodine and fragrant oak spice dress ripe red and dark plums, as well as blackberries, sitting in rather fresh mode. The palate has a succulent feel with a fleshy, spicy array of red plums and cherries. Smooth build of fine tannin here. Try from 2024.
D 93 Decanter
Plush, rich and intense nose of black olive and blackberry, then a palate of harmonious tannins and seductive oak.
JD 93 Jeb Dunnuck
Lots of new saddle leather, cassis, graphite, and spice box notes emerge from the 2017 Hermitage Domaine Des Tourettes, a medium to full-bodied, balanced, classic Hermitage. With good acidity, moderate tannins, terrific purity, and a straight, focused texture, give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy over the following 15 years or more.
WS 93 Wine Spectator
Ripe and juicy in feel, with a mix of blackberry, boysenberry and black currant fruit melded together, laced with bramble, licorice snap and singed alder notes. Tarry grip supports the finish but doesn't intrude on the fruit. Almost approachable now, but there's no rush. Best from 2020 through 2030.
RP 92 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The full-bodied 2017 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes comes across as beefy and meaty, with dried spices and mocha nuances accenting those dominant notes. It's already creamy textured and relatively lush on the palate—a Hermitage that may be consumed young or over the next 15 years. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.
Pairing: Pairs well with red meats, rare or medium cooked - games, marinated meats, spicy stews. Beef, lamb, game (deer, venison), poultry. The bottles should be opened 1 to 3 hours before drinking. Thus, we’re sharing a recipe for Dijon and Cognac Beef Stew by Regina Schrambling. It’ll yield 4-6 servings, and take about three hours to make.
