Full ruby. Subtle, extremely complex nose melds cassis, bitter cherry, licorice, menthol and gunflint. Great purity and class in the middle palate, though extremely young and not currently showing the texture of the unfinished '99. But this is utterly compelling syrah, finishing with superb length and extremely fine tannins for the vintage. The '99 may be more pliant in the early going thanks to its sweeter tannins, but I'm not yet convinced it will surpass this brilliant '98.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 28/02/2001 The 1998 Hermitage rouge is a tannic, backward, large-scaled, dense ruby/purple-colored wine with high tannin, sensational extract, and formidable power and length. It needs 5-10 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2030. The 1998 Hermitage Rouge is a tannic, backward, large-scaled, dense ruby/purple coloured wine with high tannin, sensational extract, and formidable extract, and formidable power and length. Anticipated maturity: Now-2030. (93)