1998 Hermitage Greffieres

Not sure if this was a representative bottle or not but it came across as very acidic and borderline green. The nose shows sharp, angular fruit notes to go along with a earthy, tapenade and olive scented core. Medium bodied and while there is some fruit, the acidity seems too high and dries out the fruit on the medium length finish.

The spectacular 1998 Hermitage Les Greffieres Cuvee Speciale was produced from yields of only 23 hectoliters per hectare, from old vines situated in the Greffieux lieu-dit of Hermitage. The wine boasts an opaque black/purple color as well as a sweet nose of minerals, licorice, blackberry liqueur, and cassis. Extremely full-bodied, powerful, concentrated, and dense, with huge tannin and great ripeness and length, this is a superb wine that merits considerable interest. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2030. Domaine de Vallouit's importer situation has been unstable for several years. At the time of writing, the wines were imported by Baron Francois, New York, NY.