1997 Hermitage Le Greal
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 1997 Hermitage Le Greal displays a black/purple color and knock-out nose of licorice, plums, black fruits, and Asian spices jump from the glass. Dense and medium to full-bodied, with a viscous texture, this low acid, seductive, evolved Hermitage can be drunk in 2-3 years, but will keep for 15 or more. Importer unknown.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
From vines picked on September 23, 1997 with potential alcohol of 12.2%: Deep purple color. Wild aromas of crystallized blackberry and shoe polish. Fatter and suppler than the '96, with distinctly lower acidity. Finishes with dusty tannins. From late-picked, more concentrated fruit with grape sugars of 12.9% (to comprise 30% of the blend): Deep ruby. Roasted aromas of blackberry and redcurrant confiture, coffee and spice. Fat, thick and mouthfilling. Very rich and sweet, with the crystallized berry quality repeating on the palate. The tannins coat the entire tongue. Finishing note of espresso. The ultimate blend should merit 89-91 points.