Wine Advisor
Domaine du Colombier, Hermitage Rouge 2007
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
A deep garnet hue. The nose has blackberry leaf, a touch of damson with moderate definition, developing a touch of hoi sin with time. The palate is medium-bodied, fine tannins and good definition. Touches of black plum and olive but then it seems to take its foot off the accelerator and it fades disappointingly. Ends up more like a Cote de Beaune than a Rhone. Drink now-2013. Tasted November 2008.
Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski
No, the 2007 Hermitage isn't a brooding blockbuster. But it's an exquisite wine, at its peak. Leather notes accent vibrant cherries and raspberries, while the medium to full-bodied palate is silky and expansive. This seems to grow and grow in the glass, finishing with a sense of elegance and poise.
About the Producer
The continuing elevation of this Domaine into the lofty heights of Hermitage greatness is testament to the hard work of the tall, spindly owner Florent Viale. He gives his wines a prolonged maturation of a year and a half which he believes removes the need for filtration and prefers using oak tonneaux for this process rather than the smaller 225 litre barriques so as not to dampen terroir and fruit. As a result, both the Cuvée Gaby and Hermitage are powerful and wholesome but not without a touch of class. The latter wine comes from several parcels on the hill of Hermitages including Les Bessards. The grapes are destalked and Florent never uses more than 20% new oak. The wines are therefore a surprisingly elegant example of Hermitages.
