2007 Hermitage

Glass-staining purple. Seductive aromas of black raspberry, cherry-cola, minerals, violet and exotic smoky peat. Showing a riper side and more depth than it did from barrel, with palate-coating red and dark berry compote flavors and hints of candied flowers and licorice. Very rich but surprisingly lithe, with excellent finishing breadth and sweet persistence. Already showing a lot of complexity but I'd hold off on opening this one for at least another five years.

Opaque ruby. Vibrant aromas of raspberry, blackcurrant, Indian spices, graphite and anise. Brisk, midweight red berry flavors gain flesh and sweetness with air, picking up a strong mineral quality and gentle tannins. The finish is impressively pure, with very good spicy persistence. This shows the graceful side of Hermitage.