One of the strongest efforts Chapoutier has produced from Hermitage is the 1998 Ermitage La Sizeranne, which is performing even better from bottle than it was last year from cask. It offers up an earthy, smoky, sweet black currant-scented nose, followed by big, chewy, full-bodied flavors, excellent texture, and an intriguing liquid mineral nuance to the deep, sweet, ripe flavors. This wine was made from small yields of 15 hectoliters per hectare, and aged in 50% new oak casks. The crop size was 40% less than normal. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2025. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-89000