Ferraton Ermitage Les Dionnieres Syrah 2019

96 POINTS

Matt Walls - Decanter

Some tangy berry coulis can be coaxed out with air, but it's very closed for now. Very dense with fine tannins. Huge power and concentration, though the alcohol is high. Great surge of fruit and tannin that coat the palate. Intense, though without the same finesse and balance of Le Méal. From clay limestone soils facing south, fermentation in concrete. Will be aged up to 18 months, with around 25% new oak.

96 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2019 Les Dionnières comes from the more limestone soils on the eastern side of Hermitage and sees mostly used barrels, as the percentage of new oak here has dwindled over the past few years. This dense purple-hued effort has a terrific, already complex bouquet of blueberries, black cherries, herbes de Provence, candied violets, spice, and incense. With full-bodied richness and depth on the palate, it has a ripe, sexy, opulent style, yet underneath all its baby fat, it shows finely polished tannins, wonderful purity, and the class to evolve for two decades.

95 POINTS

Wine Spectator

Brimming with fruit-dark currant, fig and blackberry-but also restrained, with sleek structure, seamlessly inlaid violet, anise and black tea notes as well as a long, refined finish that lets the fruit drip slowly through a loam and ganache filter. (JM)

95 POINTS

Josh Raynolds - Vinous

Opaque violet color. Spice-accented aromas of black raspberry, cherry preserves and smoky minerals, along with floral and vanilla nuances. Appealingly sweet and expansive on the palate, showing smoky mineral lift and sharp focus to its juicy, spice-laced black and blue fruit, vanilla and olive paste flavors, which deepen on the back half. Finishes pliant and spicy, with a solid mineral thrust, well-knit tannins and resonating blue fruit and floral character. 25% new oak.

94 POINTS

Wine Advocate

Scents of crushed stone, licorice and black cherries appear on the nose of the 2019 Ermitage Les Dionnières. Joined by hints of cedar and vanilla, this is a full-bodied, concentrated effort that deserves some time in the cellar to round into form, as the lengthy finish delivers plenty of ripe but dusty tannins. (JC)

94 POINTS

Joe Czerwinski - Robert Parker

Scents of crushed stone, licorice and black cherries appear on the nose of the 2019 Ermitage Les Dionnières. Joined by hints of cedar and vanilla, this is a full-bodied, concentrated effort that deserves some time in the cellar to round into form, as the lengthy finish delivers plenty of ripe but dusty tannins.