2013 M. Chapoutier Ermitage L'Ermite

100% Syrah grown on shallow, sandy brown soils over Tournon granite at the top of the hill of Hermitage. 120-year-old vines picked very late. 100% destemmed grapes were vinified in concrete and macerated four to six weeks at temperatures sometimes over 30 °C. 20% of the wine was aged in new barrels, 20% in second-use barrels, 30% in third-used and so on. Deep crimson. Very firm and very Syrah with real depth but, interestingly, the nose deteriorated in an opened bottle – not as fast as a Pinot but almost – perhaps because it's already 10 years old. Unusually fruity initial impact and some real delicacy (who'd have thought it?!) on the palate. I see that I noted this energy back in 2014 . (JR)

The 2013 L'Ermite is another beautiful effort, yet it shows the cooler, crisper nature of the vintage while still packing beautiful depth of fruit. Liquid rock, charcoal, graphite, and cassis and blackcurrant fruits all emerge from this inky purple-hued effort. Full-bodied, with both tannins and acidity galore, it’s about 4-5 years away from primetime and will keep for 30+ years in cold cellars.

Bright purple. An impressively complex, expressive nose displays intense aromas of fresh dark berries, cherry cola, incense, allspice and smoky minerals. Spicy, deeply concentrated black and blue fruit flavors show superb focus and energy, and a suave floral pastille quality emerges as the wine opens up. Shows a compelling blend of richness and vivacity, finishing with superb lift, harmonious tannins and outstanding persistence.