1996 M. Chapoutier, Ermitage, l'Ermite, Bottle (750ml), [Slightly Soiled Label]

RP100 As granite as granite gets, with an almost liquid rock character that’s almost impossible to find outside of Hermitage, the sensational 1996 Ermitage l'Ermite offers a complex array of ripe dark fruits, olive, game and graphite in a full-bodied, fresh, incredibly delineated and focused style. Massively concentrated, structured, and rich on the palate, yet as seamless as they come, enjoy this utterly heavenly wine over the coming two to three decades. Once the tasting was over and the drinking began, this was the first glass drained, and I couldn’t imagine a wine being better.