L'Hermitage 2005

L'Hermitage, one of the original garagiste estates, is a blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc from a small 9-acre site sandwiched between such titans of St.-Emilion as Beausejour-Duffau and Angelus. The 2005 is typically pure, medium to full-bodied, opulent, and showy, with more elegance (largely because of its fresh, lively acidity) and serious structure than usual. Its intense aromatics of blackberry, black cherry, and herbs is backed-up by a full-bodied wine possessing ripe tannin as well as outstanding weight, length, and overall harmony. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2022.

Tasted blind. Dark crimson. Heady, sweet nose and then quite sour on the palate. Chewy tannins rather stick out. Unintegrated and a bit ungainly. Does this still exist?Drink 2015-2025

Came 84th out of 184 wines

Patch of clay limestone near Angélus. Very deep crimson. Sweet and compact with real electric pulse and density. Succulent fruit and very fine tannins. Fresh and energetic