More straight and focused than the 1998 or 2000, the 1999 Hermitage le Greal is a classically styled Hermitage (the 1999 was mostly destemmed) that has solid minerality in its smoked meats, red and black fruits, licorice and peppery aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, mature and slightly straightforward, it's drinking nicely but should hold through 2020.