The 1994 red Hermitage, which had been assembled, and was about to be bottled (unfiltered of course), appears to be superb. Last year it tasted like a richer sibling of the 1985. This year it tasted significantly richer, but with the 1985's softness, elegance, and precocious appeal. The wine possesses a black/ruby/purple color, an intense, smoky, cassis, and mineral-scented nose, full body, superb density, a soft attack, good grip, and a long, impressively endowed finish. It is a wine of undeniable power, spice, tannin, fruit, silk, and fat -- what else can you ask for?