2004 Hermitage
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Tasting notes
From tiny yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare, the 2004 Hermitage Marquise de la Tourette has a dense ruby/purple color, a big, sweet nose of forest floor, acacia flowers, creme de cassis, and pepper. It is deep, full-bodied, with beautiful fruit intensity, a lush texture in the mid-palate, but then the tannic structure takes over. This is an undeniable success for the vintage. It should drink well for 15 or more years. The very talented Burgundian Jacques Granges continues to build on the success he has had at Delas Freres. He, along with the new owners, the Deutz-Roederer Champagne empire (they recently acquired Pichon-Lalande in Pauillac as well), have been responsible for the resurrection of Delas from a so-so negociant to one of the better sources of top-quality Rhones. And this has been done in less than a decade. 2004 is a classic vintage of structure and good balance, but too often lacking concentration. The 2005s are much more concentrated but also structured, tannic, and backward. Importer: Maison Marques et Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Deep red. Expansive, fruit-driven and floral on the nose, with rich, spicy cherry and blackberry aromas deepened by tobacco and cracked pepper. Lush and full, with sweet black cherry and cassis flavors lifted by gentle acidity. Smoked meat and licorice notes appear on the long, juicy finish. This is built to age.
Inky violet. Explosively rich, vibrant aromas of graphite-tinged cassis, blackberry and plum tones lifted by a floral element. Rich and sweet on the palate, with wild, meaty notes adding complexity and interest to the concentrated dark berry flavors. Very strong wine, finishing with a hit of tobacco and black pepper.