Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Rhône > Northern Rhône > Hermitage |
Colour | Red |
Type | Still |
The magnificent 1995 Hermitage is one of the classic Rhones of the vintage. The wine, which had just been bottled, was revealing no signs of fatigue. The color is opaque purple, and the wine is beautifully made, offering up scents of violets and black currants, along with the tell-tale aromas of tar, truffle, mineral, and earth. This wine could be called the Musigny of Hermitage. It is medium to full-bodied (less massive than the 1990 and 1989), with good underlying acidity, and powerful but sweet tannin in the finish. Do not expect the 1995 to possess the power of the 1989 or 1990 as it is made along the lines of the 1991, but even more fragrant. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2030.
A step up and showing more minerality, structure and length, with a masculine style, the 1995 Hermitage is drinking beautifully today. Described as disappointing by Jean-Louis over the past 5 years or so, it appears to be opening up and possesses fabulous, liquid rock-like qualities to go with cassis, blackberry and wild herbs. Medium to full-bodied, fabulously textured, rich and stretching out nicely on the finish, enjoy this beauty over the coming decade.