1999 Cave de Tain l'Hermitage Noles Rives

[njjchiro]

I have been experimenting with Rhone wines of late, most from the south. I saw this bottle, as well as 11 others, marked down from $39.99 to $19.99. From all that I've read, so far, many Hermitages are almost unapprochable for many years. As I have never had a Hermitage I was hoping that someone on the board can give me a pointer or two about opening it now as opposed to letting it sleep for a bit and/or purchasing more at what seems to be a good price point?

Thanks for the help!

[Innkeeper]

Recommend laying it down until '09 at least if you have adequate storage. If you just have a warm closet, you have to be much more careful. It could well be asleep right now, but in a warm environment would have to be caught quickly as it is rippening say in a year or so.

[Thomas]

Don't know that specific wine, but 99 in the Rhone was generally a big year for tannins--at least from what I have tasted.

While 98 was a grand year in the Rhone, I feel a lot of 99s will live longer.

[njjchiro]

Thanks for the info IK and Foodie, I have good storage so I'll put it away for a bit....do you think I should buy more at that price point?

[Innkeeper]

If you like or think you would like aged out Hermitage, do it.