L’Ermite Ermitage Rouge

Maison M. Chapoutier is one of the most recognizable and sizeable producers in the Rhone Valley. It is known for its wines from both the north and south of the valley, but in particular for its red and white Hermitage wines, made from Syrah and a blend of Marsanne and Roussanne, respectively. Chapoutier is one of the oldest names in the Rhone valley. Founded in 1808 by the Calvet family, it was sold to the Chapoutier family in 1855. Today, Chapoutier is a massive negociant and winery located in the Rhone valley. Chapoutier also advocated keeping the wines unfiltered and unfined, and to work with only biodynamically and organically grown fruit across all of the vineyards. 
Chapoutier uses both spellings: "Hermitage" is featured on Chapoutier bottles made by blending several parcels together, while "Ermitage” is reserved for Chapoutier's plot-designated wines. The Ermitage-labeled wines still qualify as Hermitage AOC wines. 

This plot is 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.  

Dark purple. Aromas of smoke-tinged dark berries, licorice and pungent flowers are sharpened by smoky mineral and spice flourishes. Spicy and deeply concentrated, offering energetic blackberry, cherry liqueur and violet pastille flavors, along with salty olive, cured meat and cracked pepper nuances. Fleshes out with air while maintaining vivacity and finishes impressively long and sweet, displaying excellent clarity, powerful tannins and suave florality.