WTN: `96 Chapoutier Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne.

[Bob Parsons Alberta]

A Xmas gift from a few years back, no idea of this wines track record really.
13% alc, good cork, no sediment. Opened 4 hours and decanted.

WTN:`96 Chapoutier Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne.

Colour. Very dull purple w. fair amount of bricking.

Nose. Smoke, meaty, earth aromas. Also some plum and prune as it airs.

Palate. Good grip and structure still. Has some nice fruit , tobacco, gamey, spice. Sweet blackberry, low tannins but no problem with high acidity (vintage problems in the north?). Wine did not do much over 24 hr period and was not too excited overall. At least it was not shot!!

***anyone have lots of experience with this wineries Hermitage?

[Otto]

vintage problems in the north?

From the (all too few, if I may say so) wines I've had, it is an acidic vintage in the North. Some friends of mine actively dislike the character, but I've rather liked the few I've had. Though I guess I do tolerate tart, screeching acidity quite well.

[Sue Courtney]

***anyone have lots of experience with this wineries Hermitage?

Yes - posting a note now - separate thread.

[Redwinger]

vintage problems in the north?

From the (all too few, if I may say so) wines I've had, it is an acidic vintage in the North. Some friends of mine actively dislike the character, but I've rather liked the few I've had. Though I guess I do tolerate tart, screeching acidity quite well.

Otto,
I'm with you on the 96 vintage in the North. It has a reputation for screaming acidity, but in most instances it suits my palate just fine. It also helped that the vintage's reputation led to slightly lower/reasonable pricing as acid-o-phobes ran away in droves buying all the 1997 Cali-cabs they could find. In fact, my wine-steal of the 20th century were some bottles of 1996 Chapoutier La Mordoree Cote Rotie in the close-out bin for $3.99.
Bill

[Dale Williams]

While I tend to like acidity, I just found the '96 Sizeranne rather boring (like Bob). I have one left, plan on revisiting it at 15 to see if it improved. The '90 version was very good, though.