1998 M. Chapoutier Hermitage Vin de Paille
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The 1998 M. Chapoutier Hermitage Vin de Paille, like the ’07, is 100% Marsanne that’s aged for 2 months on straw mats prior to pressing and aging in new oak. It shows an aged sauterne like bouquet of dried honeycomb, crème brûlée, vanilla bean, and ripe fruit that slowly builds in the glass, revealing huge richness, as well as impressive complexity and nuance. Very full and powerful on the palate, with a firm, edgy texture, serious concentration, and a massive finish, this leans more towards the dry dessert wine spectrum and doesn’t have an overt amount of sweetness present.
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Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
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Nectar lovers will be amazed by the richness of this wine. The fully mature grapes spend two months on straw mats before being pressed. It exhibits a light gold color, with a texture resembling molasses. Despite being aged in 100% new oak, no wood is discernible. Its astonishing white truffle-scented nose includes notions of coffee, marmalade, and creme brulee. Extraordinarily dense and thick, with surprisingly good underlying acidity, this is a remarkable wine. Sadly, only 100 cases exist. It will last for 100 years, but it will be impossible to resist in its youth. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-89000