2001 Hermitage Cuvee Emilie

The 2001 Hermitage Cuvee Emilie is distinctive in the lineup and has an herbal edge (which never crosses into the green spectrum), as well as lots of dark fruits, olive, underbrush and smoked meat aromatics. Fresh, classic, straight and elegant, with lively acidity and notable finesse in its texture and tannin, it’s drinking great today, but will cruise for another decade.

Saturated ruby-red. Tight but highly complex aromas of blackberry, cherry cola, espresso, gunflint and sexy oak. Dense, thick, superripe and sappy, with a remarkably chewy, tactile texture and superb concentration. Brooding dark berry and pepper flavors lead to a very long, youthfully backward finish featuring substantial but ripe tannins. A big boy, and built to last.

The 2001 Hermitage Cuvee Emilie is similarly-styled to the 2000, although slightly more delineated, leaner, structured, and ageworthy. Its dense, saturated blue/purple color is accompanied by aromas of melted licorice, blackberry liqueur, asphalt, and roasted espresso. This rich, full-bodied, dense, chewy Hermitage will drink well for 10-15 years, possibly longer. ||A Patrick Lesec Selection, various American importers, including Stacole Fine Wines, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 998-00293 Classic Wines, Boston, MA; tel. (617) 469-5799, Fine Vines LLC, Maywood, IL; tel. (708) 343-5901, and Associated Wine Distributors, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-8048 Wine Advocate.June, 2003