Les Vins de Vienne, Hermitage Chirats Saint Christophe Vintage:2009 lemon and a hint of

lemon and a hint of tangerine

And then there’s a burst of fruit power and intensity on the palate with a lovely grainy tension and mouth-watering depths

Consequently

The palateis rich but reserved

peach and apricot and then more exotic as it opens

Les Vins de Vienne, Hermitage Chirats Saint Christophe Vintage:2009 lemon and a hint ofVivid ruby. Blackberry, cassis, cola and vanilla on the nose and in the mouth. Broad and seamless, offering intense, focused dark fruit preserve flavors that pick up a spicy quality with air. Smoke and licorice note carry through a long, sappy, gently tannic finish. This wine is surprisingly approachable but has the depth to suggest that it will age nicely as well. Josh Raynolds