Saturated, deep ruby-red. Aromatic, pure aromas of cassis, mocha, iris and Cuban tobacco. Supple and fruity, with the Burgundian floral aspect shown by so many Northern Rhone wines from this vintage. Very fresh and juicy; pure and sharply delineated. Not at all a southern style of syrah. A wine with excellent thrust but not a particularly powerful style of Hermitage. Very long, violety aftertaste. This should be slower to close down than the '95.

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Browner than the Jaboulet and Chapoutier 1996s. Very spicy with that liquorice again on the nose (as on the 2004). Very subtle and tender. Racy and transparent. Nervy. Almost more of a C�´te R�´tie for its nervosit�© than an Hermitage. Very vibrant and alive. Marked acidity. Dry finish. Food please! It did get a bit more obviously tart in the glass. You could certainly drink this now.

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The 1996 red Hermitage possesses the vintage's tangy acidity, as well as a saturated ruby/purple color, and copious quantities of smoke, cassis, fennel, and minerals in the moderately intense, still young aromatics. The wine displays beautiful balance, outstanding purity, and a medium-bodied, rich, elegant personality.

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Complex while firm and crisp in style, this Rhone red is a well-rounded package, cascading with pretty game, smoke and toasted notes, showing supple tannins and a succulent, clean and intense finish.

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In a perfect place right now. Had it out of magnum. Classic Hermitage and singing.