2001 Hermitage
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Tasting notes
Deep, bright ruby-red. Superripe aromas of beefsteak tomato, gunflint and smoke, with a medicinal austerity lurking behind the wine's roasted elements. Fat, dense and full; a lush, silky Hermitage of superb sweetness. Finishes with very sweet, suave tannins and lingering notes of dark berries and gunflint. Still, tasted next to the extraordinary Cote-Rotie this came across as almost too ripe.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The dark purple-colored 2001 Hermitage offers notes of creme de cassis interwoven with mineral, vanilla, and new oak characteristics, a sweet attack, and moderate tannin in the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2018. While the gifted Michel Tardieu has fashioned dense, powerful, backward 2001s, the quality is well behind that of such recent years as 1999, 1998, and 1997. Nevertheless, there are some strong offerings, particularly the two Cornas cuvees. Importers: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808 and Stacole Fine Wines, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 998-0039
The dark purple-colored 2001 Hermitage offers notes of creme de cassis interwoven with mineral, vanilla, and new oak characteristics, a sweet attack, and moderate tannin in the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2018. Jun 2003, www.robertparker.com
(like the Cornas Vieilles Vignes and the Cote-Rotie, this is aging in all new magic casks) Full medium ruby. Somewhat austere, very dark aromas of cassis, licorice, minerals, bitter chocolate, spices and menthol. Then dense, fat and chewy in the mouth, smoother and more refined than the nose would suggest. Subtle smoke and mineral notes. Then tight again on the back end, with firm, noble tannins and lingering notes of pepper, spices and mint. Not quite as expansive today as the thrilling Cote-Rotie but structured for long life.