Monier de La Sizeranne Hermitage Syrah

1998

Just entering adolescence and heading for stardom. Baby fat is fading and secondary flavors and aromas coming our. Love it

In great shape 19 years later. The longer it was open the better it got, some funk blew off, really understated red fruit, reminded me of the 13 Reynvaan from a week earlier but less concentrated and texture had less tension.

This was WOTN. Wow. Briefly decanted. Really opened up nicely after some time in the glass. A little funk that blew off, and then amazing.

This is fantastic with age. Game meats, smoke and ham—grip and elegance in fine balance.

Earthy and beautiful. Still good fruit and tannin. Fully mature and a pleasure to drink. Bottle inherited from a recently deceased friend so it had been well kept.

Very savory, smoky, high acidity

It's Meatless Monday so what better time to throw caution to the wind. In a blind tasting my guess is you'd pass. Perhaps 5 years ago was when it deserved an 8+. Certainly not now. Drink Up...could easily be cooking wine.

Fully mature and delicious.

Thanks Mitch for packing this gem in; that was quite an experience!