2003 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Les Greffieux
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Tasting notes
From the appellation’s lower slopes (which are better known for white wines), the 2003 Ermitage Les Greffieux Vieilles Vignes (fewer than 100 cases produced) displays notes of white flowers, a liqueur of crushed rocks, dense creme de cassis flavors, and full-bodied opulence as well as density. It is a stunning wine, but is virtually unobtainable given the tiny production. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Deep red. Ripe and full on the nose but with precision and lift to the blackberry, cassis and licorice-scented aromas. Full, round and thick on the palate, with powerful flavors of sweet dark berries complemented by mocha, black pepper and dark chocolate. A subtle suggestion of graphite creeps in on the long, supple finish.
Full medium ruby. Superripe aromas of crushed black fruits and menthol. A huge, primary Hermitage with medicinal black fruit and menthol flavors and serious tannic backbone. Like a number of these 2003s, this does not come across as overly sweet.