M. Chapoutier : L'Ermite 2004

A powerful and expressive Ermitage red wine

The estate

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

Vinegrower and merchant, Michel Chapoutier has managed over the vintages to lead this family business to the top. The wines of Maison Chapoutier 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 American critic 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

A single vineyard cuvée, the Ermite 2004 from M. Chapoutier is an Ermitage wine made from a selection of old Syrah vines. Located at the top of the Hermitage hill, in the place called l'Ermite, these vineyards over 80 years old are planted on very poor granitic soils.

Vinification and aging

The manual harvest is carried out late in order to have favorable natural degrees. 100% destemmed, the berries are 100% vinified in concrete vats. The maceration of about 4 weeks is carried out at a temperature not exceeding 32°C in order to guarantee optimal extraction. Only the free-run wine is used in the making of this wine. After the run-offs, the wine is put into new barrels and one-year-old barrels for aging for a period of about 8 to 20 months.

Blend

Syrah (100%).

Characteristics and tasting advice for L'Ermite 2004 from M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Color
The color reveals a dark garnet hue.

Nose
Fresh, the nose develops notes of red fruits and white pepper.

Palate
The palate perfectly expresses its original granitic terroir through delicate smoky and peppery notes. The palate reveals over the course of the tasting both powerful and silky tannins as well as a beautiful persistence.

Food and wine pairings

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