2011 Hermitage Cuvée Assemblage, Domaine Bernard Faurie
‘To make a Great Hermitage’, Bernard effuses, ‘one must have three terroirs’. Fortunately for him, these are the revered Gréffieux, Méal and Bessard – where Bessard dominates. There is wonderful purity here; raspberry, cherry and sweet scents lead through to a palate that is firm and structured with a delicious sappy texture and impressive tannins. There is a lightness of touch – a delicacy – but substantial flavour and fragrance. This is traditional, meticulous winemaking in its sincerest form; absolutely brilliant.