There are limited cuvees of Chapoutier's sweet, oily, viscous vin de paille. The amber-colored 1999 Ermitage Vin de Paille reveals more new oak than expected, but it had just finished fermentation and perhaps is not as seamless as it will be in several years. It is made from grapes harvested in late October/early November, and kept on straw mats for two months prior to being crushed and vinified. This wine can last one-hundred plus years. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-89000

A sweet wine, with a lot of wood, coffee, toffee and caramel character. Tastes interesting--like a sweet single malt. Some cigar box, pipe smoke notes bring intrigue into the lingering, off-dry finish. Marsanne. Drink now through 2005. 220 cases made.??–PM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Hermitage Select to Add