Domaine Belle Hermitage Rouge 2018

97 Jeb Dunnuck A powerful, full-bodied, straight-up awesome wine, the 2018 Hermitage from Domaine Belle comes from the more limestone soils of the Les Murets lieu-dit and spent more than two years in barrel. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a smorgasbord-like array of kirsch, jammy blackberries, acacia flowers, violets, ground pepper, and cured meats. With full-bodied richness, a rich, opulent, incredibly sexy texture, sweet tannins, and a great finish, we're in blockbuster territory, and along with the 2017, it's the finest Hermitage I've tasted from this domaine. It has another 15-20 years (probably longer) of prime drinking. Maturity: 2021 - 2042 (4/2021)

96 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Another tremendous effort from the Belle family, the 2018 Hermitage originates from parcels in Les Murets and Péléat. Inky purple, it offers up hints of smoked meat and toasty oak but backs those with waves of intense mixed berries and black olives, plus notes of licorice. Full-bodied, concentrated and powerful, it reveals amazing length on the finish, where notes of crushed stone and licorice provide an invigorating sense of freshness. (JC) (5/2021)

95 Vinous Opaque ruby. Displays ripe, intensely perfumed black and blue fruit aromas that are complemented by suave floral and exotic spice flourishes with a savory touch of olive paste. Stains the palate with sweet, expansive cherry-cola, cassis, fruitcake and candied violet flavors that are underscored by a vein of smoky minerality. Steadily building tannins add grip to a very long, gently chewy finish that echoes the dark berry, floral and mineral notes. Anticipated maturity: 2025-2035 [Josh Raynolds, 22/12/2022]