1998 E. Guigal Hermitage

Community Tasting Notes (78) Avg Score: 91.0 points

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  3/14/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine: 90 Points

  Tasting Note 6 of #50in2024
  
  This is the oldest bottle of wine that I have personally possessed and opened. I opened it with great anticipation and high expectations given the legendary reputation of the Hermitage appellation. I pulled the bottle from storage about an hour before opening, to allow an sediment to settle before opening.
  
  I used an Ah-So style opener to remove the 25 year old cork which went surprising easily. The cork almost slid down the bottle neck but with a twist was easily removed. No signs of cork damage, or other concerns. I was greeted with a nice aroma immediately.
  
  I went straight to the pour, and as expected there color of the wine indicated the age. Brick color, with some hints of brown although still some redness throughout. It looked like an old wine. Based on all my research, I was concerned that this might be past its drinking window. Spoiler Alert: I don't think so now.
  
  The nose was pleasant, surprisingly still some darker fruits, although a peppery earthiness was present.
  
  The first taste surprised me, it was more acidic than I expected. Some tartness on the tongue followed by a bit of pepper and hint of smoke/bbq. I think this was classic (old) Syrah and it was enjoyable. Over the next hour, it did change but only slightly. The earthiness became a bit more prominent and it was even more enjoyable in my opinion. It begged for food, meat specifically although the best I had on hand was meat lovers pizza -- which did the trick. No need to be fancy about this! By the end of the bottle I was craving more.
  
  For comparison I opened a 2015 Cote Rotie for a side-by-side tasting and the Cote Rotie Syrah was significantly bolder, bigger -- which is generally the style I drink in most reds like Napa cabs. It was nice to enjoy a balanced, somewhat quiet expression of 1998 Hermitage Syrah.
  
  The bottle was acquired by auction for less than $100 and was from a known strong vintage in 1998. They are known for drinking best with some age. I can't wait to acquire some more.

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  7/2/2022 - chatters wrote: flawed

  something a little off here for me - touch of brambles, plenty of peppery spice but a hard green and slightly sour core that I've not detected on this wine before. A gentle decant and time didn't really help. Still has a similar tannin profile to previous tastings but this isn't quite right...and, with time, this falls apart...not right. FLAW

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  12/9/2021 - chatters wrote:

  TdF exploration and Archie Rose (Alejandro's place, Mascot): From Coravin. Leather, earth, a little rose petal, touch of peppery spice, with time a touch of blackberry. In the mouth it's juicy with plums and blackberry, black pepper. Textured grainy mid palate grip rasps the tongue, a little leather, smidge of alcohol warmth but still fleshy and enjoyable.

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  9/17/2021 - AllRed wrote:

  Blind. Shows its age with a bit if bricking, and aromas of tea leaves, currant and something a bit meaty/gamey. Medium-bodied. The palate follows the bouquet, adding a hint of bouillon as it sits. This bottle is over-the-hill but had brief moments of life and enjoyment.

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  12/6/2020 - DBenke wrote: 94 Points

  This is pure perfection. Delicious

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