Faugier-Gonnet Hermitage 2012

Here is an Hermitage that relies on elegance and finesse, rather than the typical characteristics of strength and power that are more commonly found in the region. Now, this is not to say that the wine does not have the meaty, smoky, herbal garrigue that is a Northern Rhône signature. It still has all of that, and more. Silky smooth on the mid-palate with milk chocolate, stewed black fruits and an expansive finish that seems to build more and more from the opulent overall mouthfeel.