Paul Jaboulet Aîné La Maison Bleue Hermitage 2020

Full, bright-rimmed violet. Highly fragrant cherry and black raspberry scents, along with suggestions of pipe tobacco, olive, peony and baking spices. Juicy and energetic in the mouth, offering concentrated red and blue fruit, floral pastille, smoky bacon and spicecake flavors that become sweeter on the back half. Smooth, rounded tannins build steadily on a very long, mineral- and spice-accented finish that leaves behind suggestions of mocha and allspice. 20% new oak. [Drink: 2026-2040+.] Score – 93-95. (Josh Raynolds, vinous.com, Dec. 22, 2022)