HERMITAGE SPIRIT

Decanter : 19/20 Maturity: 2014-2040

Huge colour, but velvety smooth, beautifully extracted ripe Cabernet fruit, less oaky and less exotic than 2003, but firmer and with a wonderful depth of fleshy fruit backed by rich tannins, superb vinification, definition and great length.

Domaine

The wine has beautiful depth of colour, almost black with a blueish tint.The nose is complex, with notes of blackberry and redcurrant and a touch of smoke, revealing still discreet oak.The attack is full and generous, while the tannins elegantly enfold flavours of liquorice, mocha and vanilla.The finish is long and flavoursome, full of freshness and fruit, set off by delicious touches of toast. A vintage as elegant as it is promising.

Jean-Marc Quarin : 17,5 (94)

Tasted once before clarification, this wine really impressed me. Its intense, fine, fruity nose recalled to me the strength of the wines of l'Hermitage. The mouth is very well constructed and offers meticulous sensations, without abandoning strength. The wine ends long and refined, without the tannic granulation which limited my enthusiasm in the past.

Neal Martin's Wine Journal : 94 Maturity: 2014-2030

The nose is still tight and needs some coaxing from the glass, but eventually reveals some attractive pure blackberry, wild mint, cassis and citrus fruits. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, quite refined and less opulent than one usually finds Mouton. But there is a nice crescendo towards the finish with cedar and dried herbs just on the finish. Excellent. Drink 2014-2030. Tasted November 2008.

Parker # 171 : 92+ Maturity: -2035

Deep garnet colour. Aromas of warm cassis, dried plum, cloves and pencil shavings. Medium+ acidity and medium to firm, fine tannins. Long finish. Tasted August 2009.

Revue du Vin de France # 514 : 18.5/20

The Wine Doctor # web : 18,5+/20

Wow! This has a lovely nose, very exotic, dense and rich in fabulous spiced fruits, with an impressively dark core. Lovely, and very typical of Mouton as well. A beautifully composed palate follows, very elegant with a hint of cream, and a fine ripe structure beneath. The tannins are firm, just poking out a little here despite the full midpalate and wealth of spicy fruit. Delicious, fruit-cream finish, and fabulous length. An excellent wine indeed.

Weinwisser (René Gabriel) : 19/20 Maturity: 2012-2030

Wine Spectator (James Suckling) : 92-94

Layers of bright berry, currant and floral aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, with lovely velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. This is from the new team at Mouton and showing excellent focus and structure. Long and silky. Fine. Serious. -- J.S.