The 1999 Ermitage La Sizeranne is an elegant, light-styled offering. The color is deep ruby, and the wine offers notes of plums, figs, cassis, and that inky aroma that emerges occasionally in Hermitage. It is medium to full-bodied, with moderate tannin, and a short finish. It will be at its finest between now and 2012. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-89000

Meaty and rather elegant, with grilled chestnut, plum and blackberry notes in a tight package. Medium-bodied, with a lingering finish. Best from 2003 through 2010. 3,830 cases made.??–PM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Hermitage Select to Add

While the fruit—ripe, black and intense—gives this wine its power, there is also a huge core of toughness, that means it is going to be almost indestructible as it ages. Waiting is certainly the name of the game—20 years or more. ——R.V.(6/1/2002)—— 91