The 1990 Crozes-Hermitage-Cuvee Louis Belle possesses an opaque purple color. With swirling, the tight nose offers enticing aromas of herbs, tar, smoke, and black fruits. In the mouth, the wine exhibits the essence of black cherry fruit, is full-bodied, dense, and rich, with considerable tannin, and a formidably long, concentrated finish. This superb Crozes should carry its Syrah fruit for 10-15 years. Albert Belle is widely recognized as one of the up and coming stars of both Crozes-Hermitage and Hermitage. For readers not familiar with his wines, this is a dazzling example from what is probably the finest Hermitage vintage since 1961. Anticipated maturity: 1996-2008. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC.