Ferraton, Ermitage Meal

Ferraton, Ermitage MealRich, round and velvety in texture, the 2009 Ermitage Le Mal remains at the height of its charms. Mint and leather aromas give way to more meaty savory elements, although there's still a rich underpinning of sweet dark fruit flavor. Drink this full bodied beauty over the next decade.

with hints of herbal tea

but they're ripe and silky

hazelnut and citrus

with smoked meat and a touch of VA

quince and white peach flavors

it feels well defined and the oak is nicely embedded into the fruit

youthfully austere and built-to-age finish that just goes on and on

the 2005 is constantly changing in the glass

lengthy and beautifully balanced finale

the nose is very ripe with its combination of wood

menthol and cigar box over a core of crème de cassis

rich and demonstrating great depth with a wonderfully compelling personality