2005 l'Hermitage
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind. Dark crimson. Heady, sweet nose and then quite sour on the palate. Chewy tannins rather stick out. Unintegrated and a bit ungainly. Does this still exist? (JR)
Critic scores
The Wine Advocate
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Patch of clay limestone near Angélus. Very deep crimson. Sweet and compact with real electric pulse and density. Succulent fruit and very fine tannins. Fresh and energetic. (JR)
L’Hermitage, one of the original garagiste estates, is a blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc from a small 9-acre site sandwiched between such titans of St.-Emilion as Beausejour-Duffau and Angelus. The 2005 is typically pure, medium to full-bodied, opulent, and showy, with more elegance (largely because of its fresh, lively acidity) and serious structure than usual. Its intense aromatics of blackberry, black cherry, and herbs is backed-up by a full-bodied wine possessing ripe tannin as well as outstanding weight, length, and overall harmony. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2022.
(60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc; the fruit underwent a long cold soak under a layer of liquid nitrogen) Saturated, bright medium ruby. Aromas of blueberry, black truffle, bitter chocolate and menthol. Thick, sweet and powerful, but enlivened by a sappy quality and underlying minerality. A large-scaled, very ripe wine that finishes with big but essentially gentle and sweet tannins.