1997 Chapoutier Hermitage La Sizzeranne
Took this bottle to a wake on Sunday to honor a good friend who loved Rhone wines above all others. The wine's in a decent place right now and very good, though not stellar. The nose was the best part--elegant, raspberry-plum fruit, bacon, a touch of leather and earth. On the palate, medium bodied with higher than average acidity for a 12 year old Hermitage and a shorter than average finish.