1999 l'Hermitage

Hail damage forced l'Hermitage's proprietors to harvest the Merlot and the Cabernet Franc two to three weeks before full maturity. Nevertheless, the 1999 has turned out amazingly well. This excellent, smooth, sweet, herb-tinged, blackberry and cherry-flavored wine displays a seductive, fleshy palate, good length (surprising for a hail-damaged St.-Emilion), and excellent ripeness. Drink it over the next 8 or so years. Wine Advocate.April, 2002