E. Guigal Hermitage

One of the finest cuvées of regular Hermitage Guigal has ever produced is the 2003 Hermitage. Copiously fruity with a blackberry/cassis liqueur note, huge, flowery, almost chocolatey richness with superb freshness, purity, and a stunning thickness and opulence, this is spectacular Hermitag that should drink well for 30+ years.

Ripe and concentrated, this shows plum, currant and cherry fruit intertwined with spice, espresso and black licorice notes. Has a tarry, slightly raisined edge to the finish, but the structure and heady fruit take an encore, boding well for cellaring, though you may always wrestle with the tannins. Best from 2008 through 2017.

The component parts of the 2003 Hermitage all merited between 91 and 94 points. Primarily from Le Meal, Les Bessards, and Murets, with a small amount from Dionnieres, this inky/purple-colored 2003 represents a liqueur of black currants intermixed with notions of smoke, licorice, pepper, and spice. This viscous-textured red exhibits superb purity and enormous body. Other than the luxury cuvée of Hermitage Ex-Voto, it is the finest Hermitage Guigal has ever made.

The 2003 Hermitage exhibits copious amounts of blackberries and cassis along with soft tannin, a full-bodied, corpulent texture, and a long finish.

A spicy, muscular example of Hermtiage, this wine features red currant flavors tinged with darker shades of cassis and chocolate. It’s slightly creamy in the mouth, turning dry and tannic on the finish. Drink 2010–2020.