Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
The 1997 Hermitage rouge is unusual in its fruit-forward, user-friendly style. The color is a dense ruby/purple. The gorgeous, evolved bouquet of cassis, minerals, herbs, underbrush, and licorice is intense. Creamy-textured, full-bodied, and opulent, this low acid, gloriously ripe, layered 1997 can be drunk now, but promises to be even better with another 5-6 years of cellaring; it will last for 20-25 years.
Stephen Tanzer's IWC
Deep ruby-red. Highly aromatic nose of blackberry, currant, framboise, tar, minerals, leather and licorice. Sweet and wonderfully rich and deep, with layered fruit complicated by leather, licorice and spice notes. Already gives great pleasure thanks to its glyceral richness, but the Chaves agree that this wine needs ten years. Stylish and supple. Finishes with superfine tannins and compelling length.
Wine Spectator
Amazingly velvety mouthfeel marks this balanced and beautiful '97 Rhne red. Smooth, rich, ripe yet fresh, it caresses the palate, delivering blackberry, wet earth and sweet tannins in a clean package. Very long finish is redolent of smoke, toast and grilled meat. Best from 2002 through 2010.
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