2013 Paul Jaboulet Ąn̩ "La Chapelle" Hermitage

Inky purple. Heady, mineral-accented aromas of dried cherry, blackberry and pungent herbs, with a sexy potpourri nuance building in the glass. Juicy, concentrated and broad, offering vibrant cherry compote and licorice pastille flavors and a hint of fruitcake. Supple, fine-grained tannins give shape to the penetrating, smoky finish, which leaves sappy black and blue fruit notes behind. (JR)