Showing too much acidity, yet still holding it together, the 2003 Hermitage Gambert de Loche, which spent 18 months in 100% new oak, offers ample dark fruit, asphalt, licorice and dark chocolate-like aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied and nicely concentrated on the mid-palate, it turns tart and slightly clipped on the finish, and should be drunk up sooner rather than later. While I haven’t tasted many older releases from this large coop, don’t miss their current releases, as they’re knocking it out of the park.

Terrific fruit--fig, blackberry and boysenberry-- with licorice, dark chocolate and tar notes as well. Stays fleshy and silky through the long finish, with mineral hints peeking in for added effect. Drink now through 2014. 950 cases made, 200 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Hermitage Select to Add