The 1997 Hermitage rouge is unusual in its fruit-forward, user-friendly style. The color is a dense ruby/purple. The gorgeous, evolved bouquet of cassis, minerals, herbs, underbrush, and licorice is intense. Creamy-textured, full-bodied, and opulent, this low acid, gloriously ripe, layered 1997 can be drunk now, but promises to be even better with another 5-6 years of cellaring; it will last for 20-25 years.