Deep saturated ruby-red; amazing retention of color for a 20-year-old wine. Penetrating aromas of black plum, game, truffle and iron filings. A drier, older style of Hermitage with powerful structure and fruit of steel. Finishes with superb grip and persistence. Has the cut and intensity to serve as perfect accompaniment to sweetbreads or richly sauced game dishes.

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This has always been one of Chave's single greatest vintages, possibly equaled in recent years by 1989, 1991, 1994, and 1995, and possibly surpassed by 1990. Memorizing its aromas, its flavors, its texture, and its length is a quick education in what great wine is all about. Still an infant, with a murky, dark ruby/garnet color, this wine offers a smoky, tar, cassis, herb, and grilled meat set of aromatics, huge body, and mouth-searing tannin. This remains a very youthful wine-after nearly two decades of cellaring!

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