The 1997 Hermitage (13.7% alcohol) is a blend from such vineyards as Le Meal, Les Greffieux, Les Dionnieres, and Beaumes. It is a candidate for the finest Hermitage of the vintage, possibly rivaling those of Jaboulet and Chapoutier. The color is a saturated black/purple. The wine reveals a Richebourg-like, floral, violet complexity intermixed with jammy cassis, blackberries, and cherries. Dense, exceptionally full-bodied, massive, unctuous, and pure, this is a huge Hermitage with a blockbuster finish. Any evidence of tannin and new barriques are submerged behind the wine's texture and extraordinary fruit extraction. Amazing! Anticipated maturity: 2003-2020. 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)

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)

A serious Syrah, well made in a crafty, international style. The mocha, chocolate and spice dominate for now, but the texture is opulent and the massive tannins are ripe and silky, so this full-bodied blockbuster should be a beauty in a few years. Best from 2003 through 2010. 400 cases made.??–PM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Hermitage Select to Add