1994 Hermitage

Only 80 cases were made of the 1994 Unfiltered Hermitage. Viale, a long-time supplier of grapes to Guigal, owns a tiny 3-acre parcel of 55-year old vines in the section of Hermitage Hill known as Beaumes. This beautiful wine possesses an opaque purple color, and a sweet, fragrant nose of pure cassis, black-raspberries, smoke, and minerals. Already surprisingly forward and delicious, this full-bodied, chewy, rich Hermitage must have some tannin lurking behind the fruit, glycerin, and alcohol. A big, surprisingly supple wine, it will exhibit more structure as it ages over the next 10-15+ years. Winemaker Florent Viale came to my attention because of the fine 1993s he produced, a vintage where some of the best northern Rhone wine producers had difficulties. Unfortunately, only microscopic quantities of the Domaine du Colombier offerings are available, but they are well-worth a search of the marketplace. Kysela Pere et Fils, 130 Windy Hill Lane, Suite W5-12/12A, Winchester, VA 22602; telephone (540) 722-9228 and fax (540) 722-9258