Ermitage Rouge L Ermite 2014 Chapoutier

Ermitage Rouge ‘L’Ermite’,  Hermitage, Northern Rhone, France, M Chapoutier 2014 

3ha, 100% organic Syrah produced under biodynamic principles. Hand harvested, 100% destalked grapes vinified in concrete tanks with only free-run juice used. Ageing for 18-20 months in new barrels, used wood and concrete vats.

The plot is situated at the top of the Hermitage Hill, around the chapel. The elevated position of the vineyard, over 200 metres, allows long ripening at the end of the growing season. The soil of loess provides excellent drainage for rainwater. Vines are 80-120 years old (pre-phylloxera on their own rootstocks) and are planted on poor granitic soils. L’Ermite traditionally produces the most elegant and aromatic Ermitage. It has powerful tannins, smoky notes and black pepper.

"The inky black/purple-colored 2014 Ermitage l’Ermite is more firm, backward and mineral driven than the sexier Pavillon, offering fabulous notes of scorched earth, wood smoke, crushed violets, and both blackcurrant and crème de cassis. An utterly profound effort, it defines the more charming nature of the vintage, displaying building tannin and one seriously long finish. Forget bottles for 5-7 years and enjoy over the following two decades." 

97/100 points, Jeb Dunnuck, robertparker.com

This wine will age for at least 30-60 years, possibly up to 75 years!