The superb 1998 Hermitage reveals a saturated purple color in addition to classic, pure, cassis aromas intermixed with smoke and licorice. Full-bodied and pure, with nicely integrated acidity and tannin, this corpulent, super-concentrated Hermitage requires 3-7 years of cellaring, and will keep for 20-25 years. A Patrick Lesec Selection (Paris fax # 011 33 1 42 84 38 22), various American importers, including Adventures in Wine, Daly City, CA; tel. (415) 467-0130, Atlantic Importing Co., Newton, MA; tel. (617) 965-2933, Fine Vines LLC, Maywood, IL; tel. (708) 343-5901, and New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (843) 497-8625

Beautiful. Rich and elegant, with spice, smoke and ripe fruit laced with clean acidity. Medium-bodied, succulent, balanced and satisfying, offering a mineral, chalky finish of refined tannins. Finish lingers. Drink now through 2004. 500 cases made.??–PM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Hermitage Select to Add