The 2004 Hermitage Les Miaux displays some of the vintage’s high acidity and monolithic character but also possesses good tarry cassis fruit, a dark ruby/purple color, and some biting tannins combined with zesty acidity in the finish. Michel Chapoutier remains fully in charge of the wines of Ferraton, and that has meant additional emphasis on terroir, purity of fruit as well as earlier bottling to preserve the wine’s character. Like all of the Chapoutier wines, Chapoutier is adamant about farming vineyards biodynamically or, in the case of wines that are negociant blends, purchasing the wine from organic or biodynamically farmed estates. Importer: A French Paradox, Peoria, IL; tel. (309) 682-8994