M. Chapoutier : L'Ermite 2013
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A fine red wine of Ermitage that seduces with its power and refinement
The producer
Established since 1808 in Tain-L'Hermitage, the M. Chapoutier estate today embodies the elite of the greatest names of the Rhône Valley.
A winemaker and trader, Michel Chapoutier has, over the years, led this family business to the top. Maison Chapoutier wines are recognised for their refinement and high quality by the finest connoisseurs around the world. A man who wears multiple hats, Michel Chapoutier holds the world record for 100/100 marks awarded by the American critic Robert Parker. Mathilde, daughter of Michel Chapoutier, took over the torch of this iconic estate and a vineyard spread over more than 350 hectares across the most prestigious appellations of the Northern and Southern Rhône Valley.
The vineyard
Ermitage l’Ermite of Chapoutier is an exceptional wine from a vineyard certified biodynamic since 1991. Located at the top of the hill of the Hermitage, around the chapel in a place called L'Ermite, this great terroir of the Rhône Valley is composed of brown, sandy, shallow soils of Tournon granite. Some 120 year old vines are planted in very poor granite soils. In a constant search of excellence, an important part of the vines is pre-phylloxeric or without rootstock.
Winemaking and ageing
Late manual harvest in order to reach an optimal phenolic maturity. 100% destemming. Winemaking in concrete tanks. Maceration of 4 to 6 weeks to develop the silky touch of the tannins. Exclusive use of free-run wine in the making of this wine. The ageing is carried out in barrels (20% new, 20% of 1 previous wine, 30% in 2 previous wines) and the rest in concrete tanks.
Blend
Ermitage l’Ermite 2013 of Chapoutier is a 100% Syrah.
Tasting
Colour
The wine is a deep, dark purple colour.
Nose
The nose reveals a rich palette with fruity, spicy notes and ink.
Palate
The palate harmoniously blends a powerful tannic pattern with a silky, smooth touch. Throughout the tasting notes of smoke and peppern typical of the grape, come through.
Guard
According to the vintage, Ermitage L'Ermite of Chapoutier can wait in your cellar for 30 to 75 years to reveal the whole of its aromatic palette.
More backwards, tight and structured than either the Méal or the Pavillon, the 2013 Ermitage l'Ermite was similarly completely destemmed and raised in a scant 30% new French oak. Inky purple/blue colored, it reluctantly yields incredibly mineral-laced notes of charcoal, liquid rock, cassis, black currants and graphite. While it's less approachable than either of the two other Hermitages, it has fabulous density and depth, ripe tannin and incredible persistence on the finish. Hide these in the cellar for a decade, and enjoy over the following three to four decades.