Though the rule of fifteen says that 1996 and 1997 are very good North Rhones to be focusing on right now (and indeed a recent wonderful 1996 Jaboulet St. J Pompee most certainly supports the rule), I have doing a cellar cull (forced by our impending move) of many bottles. Somewhere I found a half case of this cheap, and it's been sitting buried in a box for many years.
In beautiful VLM approved secondaries, this is lovely. An elegant Hermitage, light on its feet, pine, green olives, red fruits. Not immediately oaky, though it emerges with air - and lo and behold, it doesn't bother me much. I don't want to overhype this - it is not top flight Hermitage - but it is a really lovely wine. Good now, or for a while.
In beautiful VLM approved secondaries, this is lovely. An elegant Hermitage, light on its feet, pine, green olives, red fruits. Not immediately oaky, though it emerges with air - and lo and behold, it doesn't bother me much. I don't want to overhype this - it is not top flight Hermitage - but it is a really lovely wine. Good now, or for a while.