A big step up over the 2000, the sensational 1998 Hermitage le Greal was harvest on September 10, from tiny yields, and saw only partial destemming. Its still youthful ruby, opaque color is followed by classic notes of tobacco leaf, tapenade, roasted herbs, pepper and assorted dark fruits. Big, concentrated and structured on the palate, with a serious kick of tannin, it has brilliant mid-palate depth, full-bodied richness and a great finish. Sorrel commented that this wine was shockingly tannic on release, and even today, at age 17, it still needs another 3-4 years of cellaring. Nevertheless, this brilliant wine will have 3-4 decades of longevity.