Appellation: Hermitage, Northern Rhone

Organic practice

Grape: 100% Syrah

Yield: TBC hl/ha

Bottles produced: 1,250

Packing: case of 6 bottles

Ageing & other info: A small of parcel of 2 hectare belonging to Stephane Vedeau’s mother, Jeannine Boutin. The parcel is situated in Larnage and the vines are average 50 years old. 20% whole cluster. Indigenous yeast. Aged for 12 months in older 300L barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.

Rating & Award: 94 pt by Vinous Media, 92 pt by Wine Advocate, 94 pt by Jeb Dunnuck.

Maturity/Drink: Approachable now, but should get into shape in 6-8 years time. 20+ years of aging potential.

Tasting Notes:

‘ Bottled unfined and unfiltered (as are all the wines here), the 2019 Hermitage Arena Mica has a complex, smoky, spicy style that carries loads of classic, meaty red and black Hermitage fruit. New saddle leather, flowery incense, and dried flowers all emerge with time in the glass, and this medium to full-bodied red has wonderful, classy tannins, a layered texture, and the balance and length to evolve for two decades. It's impressive. ‘ - Jeb Dunnuck

‘ Deep ruby. Mineral- and spice-accented aromas of ripe dark berries, licorice and candied violet show impressive clarity and lift. Bright and energetic in the mouth, offering juicy black raspberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors that slowly deepen and become sweeter through the back half. Shows fine delineation and spicy thrust on the long, focused finish, which features well-integrated tannins and repeating floral and mineral notes. ‘ - Vinous Media

‘ There are just 950 bottles of the 2019 Hermitage Arena Mica, an earthy, truffle-scented offering. Loaded with dark fruit and hints of black olive and leather, it's full-bodied, broad and supple on the palate, concentrated and powerful, with ample length. It's approachable now but should age well through at least 2030 or so. ‘ - Wine Advocate

Things you should know: Jancis Robinson named Winemaker Stephane Vedeau as the Best New Rhone Winemaker.