I tasted a ready-to-be-bottled tank sample of the 2003 L’Ermita. Typically there are 400-500 cases of this blockbuster, but because of the vintage’s tiny crop as well as a severe triage, only 240 cases were produced. This superb effort displays a black/blue/purple color along with a huge nose of creme de cassis, flowers, crushed rocks, and a hint of smoke. The wine is full-bodied and opulent, with tremendous structure, great definition and purity, and a huge, but elegant, persistent finish. It will benefit from another 1-2 years of bottle age, and last for 15 plus. Importer: The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484

This fragrant red shows both elegance and intensity. Floral and berry aromas carry through on the focused palate, picking up flavors of mineral, vanilla and allspice that float over firmly etched tannins, then linger on the finish. This is as graceful as a ballerina. Drink now through 2012. 30 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Priorat Select to Add

Super pricey but this is a knock-your-socks-off wine with a gorgeous bouquet that shows not even a hint of syrup or jam. The palate is like a nova; it bursts with plum, blackberry and cinnamon. No harshness, not too tannic, and splendid on the finish, where toast and chocolate appear and stick around for a long time. It’s 80% old-vines Garnacha and 20% Cabernet, and there just aren’t enough superlatives to describe it. Only 300 cases made. Imported by Rare Wine Company. ——M.S.(10/1/2005)—— 98