2007 Hermitage Cuvee Autrement

While the 2007 Hermitage Autrement is a brilliant effort, it will always have to live in the huge shadow cast by its older sibling. The deep ruby/purple-hued 2007 exhibits a more restrained style, displaying notions of licorice, graphite, black currants, and wet stones in its full-bodied, powerful personality. Atypically concentrated for a 2007, but not as layered as the 2006, it should drink well for 20+ years. (Not yet released) Domaine des Remizieres is one of the few family-run estates in Hermitage. Like the Chave family in Mauves, this closely-knit unit of father, Philippe Desmeures, and daughter, Emilie, manage the vineyard and produce modern-styled, super-concentrated wines that see plenty of new oak. The level of concentration found in these red wines is among the most impressive found in their respective appellations (i.e., Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, and St.-Joseph). 2006 is a superb vintage for this property, and 2007 is certainly very good. A Patrick Lesec Selection, agent for the U.S. market, Chemin des Vins, Sherborn, MA; tel. (508) 545-1532