1996 Hermitage
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Tasting notes
The 1996 Hermitage is a wine of massive richness, extraordinary purity, and enormous potential. The saturated opaque purple color is followed by a youthful, unevolved bouquet of tar, cassis, blackberries, and stones. Superb in the mouth, with full body, fabulous richness, and a layered, multi-dimensional personality, it is another tour de force in winemaking, but it requires 7-10 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025. Importers: Bacchus Importers, tel. (410) 633-0400, Stacole Imports, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 998-0029; Martin Scott Wines Ltd., Little Neck, NY; Ventures in Wine, Daly City, CA; Atlantic Importing Co., Newton, MA; Fine Vines, Maywood, IL and all the importers representing the selections of French broker, Patrick Lesec (Paris fax # 011 33 1 44 70 62 93)
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Dark ruby-purple. Extravagant, deep aromas of blackberry, licorice, mint, minerals and game. Lovely, thoroughly ripe flavors of cassis, blackberry and dark chocolate, with a firm underlying mineral quality. Very long, sweet finish, with dense tannins buffered by explosive dark berry and mineral flavors.