Maison Guillot Hermitage 2021

The deeply flavored Maison Guillot Hermitage shows exactly why Syrahs from the northern Rhône’s Hermitage are some of France’s most enduringly prestigious bottlings. Sturdy and black fruited, with a kiss of spice, it’d be equally delicious uncorked years from now or decanted and served alongside dinner tonight.

But given it was made by the latest generation of the Guillot family, are you really surprised?

Originally from Burgundy, the Guillots have been making wine for centuries. Though most of their production centered around their home region, in 1911, they decided to purchase a parcel of vines in the Rhône Valley and “the love affair with the area began,” they say.

Now, fourth-generation winemaker Laurent runs the family business, working with vines that criss-cross both regions, and combining traditional viticulture with contemporary perspectives.

This is his take on the iconic Hermitage appellation that sits on a steep, south-facing granite hillside. Here, vines look over a short stretch of the Rhône river that runs west to east, and the vines benefit from ample sunlight throughout the day. The special terroir has been known to yield some of the world’s most coveted bottlings—almost always built to age—beloved by a laundry list of French kings, Russian tsars and notable writers, alike.

Ruby red in color, the wine entices immediately upon opening, offering a perfume of black fruits, violets and spice. But don’t sip it just yet: Because the wine is still young for a Hermitage, we recommend you decant the wine for at least an hour before serving. If you are patient enough to do so, we promise you’ll be rewarded with a perfectly balanced, voluptuous palate of blackberry, black currant and licorice.