2004 Ermitage L'Ermite

Ruby-red. Remarkably intense raspberry, cherry, candied violet and graphite aromas show dramatic volume and thrust. Positively liqueur-like in sweetness and density, with mouthfilling red and dark fruit flavors, molten tannins and a late hit of cured meat. The ridiculously long finish boasts remarkable depth and clarity, and a never-ending display of ripe red fruits.

All of the single vineyard Ermitages turned out as good as I had hoped, possibly even better. In short they are among the strongest wines one could hope for in this vintage. The 2004 Ermitage l’Ermite exhibits blueberry and floral notes with that undeniable minerality lurking beneath the surface. It is full-bodied, which is rather remarkable in this vintage, with serious concentration for a 2004 and sweetness to the tannin. This wine might well be the most approachable of these wines, and drink well young yet last for 15 or more years. Apr 2007, www.robertparker.com

Ruby-red. Remarkably intense raspberry, cherry, candied violet and graphite aromas show dramatic volume and thrust. Positively liqueur-like in sweetness and density, with mouthfilling red and dark fruit flavors, molten tannins and a late hit of cured meat. The ridiculously long finish boasts remarkable depth and clarity, and a never-ending display of ripe red fruits.