Domaine du Colombier Hermitage 19

Domaine du Colombier's vineyards have been in the Viale family's hands for generations, but only started to produce their own bottlings in 1991 after the expiration of a contract with one of the region's many negociants. 

In the hands of current winemaker Florent Viale, the Hermitage rouge bottling is sourced from 3 vineyard parcels - made to showcase not only the hill's famous granite bedrock, but also the less heralded mélange of soils limestone, sand, clay, and silex that speak to the hill's rich geological history.

The wine likewise speaks to the breadth of potential in the syrah grape - its rich dark fruited liqueur; its wild smoked gameyness, its savory, herb tinged hint of olive and anise. There's enough freshness here to drink young, but the power in the bottle will equally reward a decade or two on its side.