The last wine in the virtual wine tasting series was this stunner.  I picked three different level Rhône wines and our tasting culminated in this legendary Hermitage.  Deep ruby colored with high viscosity (15.5% ABV).  Intense aromas of ripe blackberry pie, smoked brisket, black grape jam (jammy jam as one taster joked), leather, tobacco, etc.  The palate was dry, with medium (-) acidity, a full body, and medium (+) tannins.  Intense flavors and a long finish is all I could write as I sat there and contemplated life, wine, happiness, perfection and richness of flavor and balance.  This is an immense wine, with a structure built to last decades, even the cork was extra long.  An amazing wine that showcases the best of Rhône Syrah.  I gave it a perfect score on our tasting sheet and reckon it’s in the top 3 wines our group has ever drunk- over 175 bottles and counting.  From a technical point of view, this $153 effort gets 95 points at the minimum, maybe higher, earning it a 5 star rating.  I realize it is expensive, but this is such a treat that’s drinking beautifully yet will evolve over time to be even better.  I wish I had a long term cellar so I could stuff a few away.  Salut….