The 2018 Caves de Tain Hermitage is a flagship Northern Rhône Syrah sourced from some of the appellation’s most prized hillside vineyards on the granite slopes of Hermitage. Produced by Caves de Tain, one of the region’s benchmark producers, the wine is assembled from carefully selected parcels across legendary lieux-dits including Les Bessards, Le Méal and L’Hermite. The warm and powerful 2018 vintage delivered a Hermitage of impressive concentration, yet one that retains the freshness and structure necessary for long-term ageing.
The nose is deeply expressive, revealing blackberry, blackcurrant and dark plum layered with violet, cracked pepper, smoked meat, olive tapenade and graphite. Full-bodied and commanding on the palate, it combines dense dark fruit with powerful yet polished tannins and a striking mineral core. Notes of liquorice, cocoa, spice and ironstone unfold through a long, savoury finish. Jeb Dunnuck awarded the wine 95 points, while Wine Enthusiast and Decanter praised its depth, balance and classic Hermitage character. Despite its richness, the wine remains remarkably poised and precise.
Ben’s Recommendation:
A serious Hermitage that offers outstanding value compared with many of the appellation’s more famous names. Powerful, complex and built for the cellar, it pairs beautifully with roast lamb, venison, beef fillet, game dishes and truffle-infused cuisine. While already impressive with several hours of decanting, this wine will reward patience and should continue to evolve magnificently through 2040–2045 and beyond.
