M. Chapoutier : L'Ermite 1999

The delicacy and elegance of a red wine from the Rhône Valley

The property

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

Vinegrower 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 1999 from M. Chapoutier is an 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 soils.

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 1999 from M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Color
The color is a very dark garnet red.

Nose
The nose is characterized by spicy, peppery notes typical of Syrah, as well as aromas of black fruits.

Palate
The palate has a tannic structure that is both powerful, round and velvety.

Food and wine pairings

This Rhône Valley wine pairs ideally with a winged rib of beef with chanterelles, a roast deer with its juice or even a wild boar stew.