M. Chapoutier : L'Ermite 1998

A spicy and silky red wine from the Rhône Valley

The estate

Established since 1808 in Tain-L’Hermitage, the M. Chapoutier House today embodies the elite of the greatest names in the Rhône Valley.

Winemaker and merchant, Michel Chapoutier has managed over the vintages to lead this family business to the top. Maison Chapoutier's wines are recognized for their refinement and high quality by the finest connoisseurs beyond borders. A man of many hats, Michel Chapoutier holds the world record for 100/100 scores awarded by the American Robert Parker. Mathilde, Michel Chapoutier's daughter, has taken up the torch of this iconic house, overseeing a vineyard of over 350 hectares across the most prestigious appellations of the northern and southern Rhône Valley.

The vineyard

L’Ermite 1998 from M. Chapoutier is an exceptional Ermitage wine from a vineyard certified in biodynamics since 1991. Located at the top of the Hermitage hill, around the chapel at the place called l’Ermite, this great Rhône Valley terroir is composed of leached brown soils, sandy, shallow, derived from Tournon granite. Some old vines aged 120 years are planted on very poor granite terroirs. In a constant search for excellence, a significant part of the vines is pre-phylloxera or replaced by layering (therefore rootstock-free, i.e. without rootstock).

Vinification and aging

Late manual harvest to reach optimal phenolic maturity. 100% destemming. Vinification in concrete vat. Maceration of 4 weeks to develop the silky touch of the tannins. Exclusive use of free-run wine in the making of this wine. The aging is carried out in new barrels and one-year-old barrels for an aging of about 8 to 20 months.

Blend

Syrah (100%)

Characteristics and tasting advice for L’Ermite 1998 from M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Color
The color is a dark garnet shade, almost black.

Nose
The nose combines fragrances of black fruits with notes of spices and ink.

Palate
The palate offers a powerful and velvety tannic structure as well as smoky and peppery aromas fully expressing the granitic terroir of origin of this cuvée.

Food and wine pairings

A rib of beef, a venison roast or even a wild boar stew are refined pairings with this wine from the Rhône Valley.