The blockbuster, opaque purple-colored 1998 L'Ermita (the finest since the 1995 and 1994) exhibits a full-bodied personality with copious quantities of sweet oak, a boatload of glycerin, and superb blackberry, cassis, and cherry fruit that explodes on the mid-palate and in the finish. The elevated quantities of new oak should become better integrated as the wine ages over the next 15-20 years. This is an exceptionally impressive/expressive wine. Importer: The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484

Plush on the midpalate yet firm on the finish, this concentrated Spanish red delivers plenty of ripe fruit and toasty oak, balanced and rich. International style in its texture and polish, yet the flavors are distinctive and typical for the region. Best after 2003. 50 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Priorat Select to Add

Deep, bright ruby. Superripe yet vibrant, highly perfumed aromas of sappy black fruits, smoky oak and minerals. Thick and deep; atypically high in alcohol at 14.3% yet utterly vibrant in the mouth thanks to fresh acidity. Huge finish features explosive fruit and great persistence. A wine of uncanny concentration, from very low yields. This was a dry, hot year that, like '94, did not see a period of cooler weather during the harvest.