The powerful, backward 1998 Hermitage was produced from wine purchased from such vineyards as Les Bessards, Les Baumes, Meal, and Dionnieres. It is powerful, tannic, slightly austere, but long in the mouth with copious quantities of cassis fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020. To assess Guigal's Hermitage, I tasted through every element that will be blended together for the assemblage, including those cuvees from Grippat's and De Vallouit's vineyards as well as wine purchased from growers such as Sorrel and Fayolle. Readers will notice a significant increase in the quality of Guigal's Hermitage beginning with 1999, largely because of the fruit from Grippat and De Vallouit (particularly the latter's Les Greffieres). Importer: Fred Ek, Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153