100% Syrah, partial de-stemming, vinified in mixture of oak, stainless steel and cement vats, matured in mixture of new and (mainly) used oak casks and large old oak.A complex mix of aromas: spice, liquorice and aromatic meatiness. Fine, dry, tight and beautifully balanced. Youthful but somehow already complete. The dry finish gives freshness instead of drying the palate. There's plenty of oaky spice too but it does not dominate. - JR
JR18
The 2001 L'Hermitage has aged gracefully. Vivid iodine, black olive tapenade, dried violet, forest floor, cured meat and wet tea bag all race out of the glass. Medium-bodied and distinctively refreshing, the palate gradually brings out more flavors, revealing dried red and black fruits, game, black pepper and a finely tuned herbal edge. Coming in around 13% alcohol, the 2001 is drinking beautifully now, yet it has plenty of structure and substance to tackle at least five more years. - VM
VM94