in pristine condition

96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate ///

Although little is produced, the light to medium amber-colored 2000 Ermitage Vin de Paille boasts an unctuous texture in addition to a gorgeous perfume of orange marmalade as well as truffles intertwined with crushed nuts; it is a wine of tremendous richness and moderate sweetness. All of this is balanced by good acidity. These wines are made from grapes harvested in late October/early November that are kept on straw mats for two months prior to being crushed and vinified. They can be drunk young, but based on historic examples tasted over the last quarter of a century, they will age for 50-100 years. (RP) (06/2003)