M. Chapoutier "Ermitage L'Ermite" Rouge 2011
(Cotes du Roussillon, France) - [WA 98+] [JD 98] [DM 97] [WS 97] [VM 94]

About the Winery:
The name Chapoutier occupies a storied place in the history of the Rhône Valley, beginning 1808, when the family first settled in the Rhône Valley. Throughout the 19^th century and well into the next, M. CHAPOUTIER and its eponymous winery grew steadily, producing wine from esteemed vineyard sites such as Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. However, 1990 was a watershed moment for the winery, with the arrival of Michel Chapoutier. Under his leadership, the maverick winemaker established bold initiatives. For example, the introduction of Single Vineyard Selection that express the unique terroir of a site, or wine labels embossed in braille for the visually impaired. In each instance, Michel’s decisions were, and continue to be, driven by a deep respect for the soil, climate, and his fellow human beings.

About this Wine:
Situated at the top of the Hermitage hill, around the chapel, in a place named the Ermite. The vines are 80 years old and are on granitic soils which are very poor.

The harvest which is 100% destemmed, is matured in concrete tanks. Fermentation lasts around 4 weeks, to obtain soft and stable tannins to keep the wine for a very long time. The temperature does not exceed 32°C to enable good quality extraction. To make this wine, only the free-run juice is used. Free run juice is immediately transferred into new and one-year-old casks to be matured from 18 to 20 months.

100% Syrah

14%  abv

Tasting Notes:
Displays a very deep, virtually opaque garnet hue. The nose reveals black fruits with spices and India ink overtones. On the palate: tannins are both powerful and velvety. Smoky and pepper overtones express wonderfully the Syrah variety on granitic soil.

Ratings & Reviews

98+ Points - Wine Advocate:
"As expected, the 2011 Ermitage l’Ermite, which comes from the lieu-dit of the same name, is more backward and focused, with a slightly closed, tight profile. Slowly giving up ample cassis and black raspberry fruit, graphite, licorice and edgy minerality, it is full-bodied, deeply concentrated and tannic, yet still never puts a foot wrong and is perfectly balanced and seamless. Give it 3-4 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following two decades or more." - Jeb Dunnuck (Dec 2013)

98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2011 Ermitage L'Ermite is a killer Hermitage that offers a huge bouquet of thick crème de cassis and black raspberry fruits as well as the classic minerality, graphite, and licorice notes this cuvée always shows. Full-bodied, dense, and concentrated on the palate, it’s a glorious effort that’s still moderately backward and tannic yet is just now starting to round the corner. It’s going to be very long lived, especially for a 2011." (Apr 2020)

97 Points - Decanter Magazine: 
"Beguilingly fragrant, this Ermite oscillates between smoky, toasty, earthy characters and high-toned sweet fruit. Notes of grilled red pepper, stewed strawberries and hot soil. The tannins are like thick-set yoghurt in nature: dense but incredibly silky." - Natalie Earl (Jun 2024)

97 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Tightly coiled, with a briary frame around the core of intense steeped plum, red currant and black cherry fruit. An iron spine drives the focused finish. A wine of cut and precision that will need time to stretch out fully. Best from 2016 through 2030. 16 cases imported." - JM (May 2014)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"Opaque ruby. An explosively perfumed bouquet features blackberry, cassis, cola, potpourri and smoky Indian spices. Broad, concentrated and alluringly sweet, with pliant dark fruit and violet pastille flavors showing wonderful depth as well as purity and vivacity. Bright mineral and spice notes accent the long, penetrating finish, which is firmed by silky, harmonious tannins." - Josh Raynolds (Mar 2014)